How one kid can destroy performance of John Cage Solo for sliding trombone :)

[@CallithumpianConsort]

Cage: "I've always preferred laughter to tears."

[@drrobertjfrank]

John WOULD have loved it and probably given the kid a hug and told him "Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming!" He was far more open to real emotional responses like this (laughter IS an emotional response!) It's the traditional establishment that tries to suppress what Cage was all about!... and *I* love it!

[@KCJazzKeys]

I totally agree!

[@capimsanto4812]

plot twist: the kid is john cage

[@___K______]

yes! lol

[@Seastar14TheWitch]

His reincarnation, then.

[@TrombaSolo]

He didn't destroy it at all. This was Cage's genius. The kid is part of the composition.

[@oceancheung6139]

Dennis Ferry ‘Everything we do is music’

[@djentcommunion2422]

i was thinking the same

[@superlocrian100]

This is it! That kid will never forget this performance! And I bet it allowed you to let loose even more. I love this performance!

[@BrassComedy]

+superlocrian100 :)

[@AnthonyLeighDunstan]

Vairis Nartiss I'm pretty sure you wrote that video title especially to get hits. Because I don't think you believe what you wrote for a second.

[@robmeehan1]

Cage would have loved it. I once had a conversation with him after a New Music Ensemble seminar in upstate NY. A huge thunderstorm erupted during his Concert for piano. A kid in the back began to cry and would not be stopped. Cage liked the thunderstorm sounds but not the negative emotions the child conveyed, unfortunate though not a big deal. It was a memorable event; Carla Bley on piano, thunder and flashes of lightning blending with music the child became part of, part of a great experience. Cage would have loved the laughter in this performance.

[@vairisnartiss3545]

Yes, Cage definitely would like kid accompaniment.

[@wolfil8019]

I am 65-years-old, and I was laughing through this video ... a laughter of pleasure. For John Cage, happenstance, the accidental, the uncontrollable was an essential part of the music. He composed sound (or soundless) settings for the accidental and the uncontrollable to play out in. So he would have seen the child's laughter as part of the performance, part of the music. I get the impression you saw this as well, and so recognize that the "destruction" of your performance ... was the performance, precisely in the sense John Cage would have intended. Thank you for sharing it. It gave me great pleasure.

[@benperrier]

That child's laughter was a true gift.

[@Experimentelle]

Destroy ? I'd say that kid made the performance just perfect... and I agree with the kid, this is funny as hell...

[@Swim_Jonse]

That's the whole point though, is it not? If you've got a kid laughing then that's what makes this unique.

[@jlhyz2]

Cage would have loved this! It actually shows that Avant Garde music can have lots of humor in it so instead of taking a very humorous piece very seriously as some people do, this kid gives it some fun, adding the kinds of sounds and moods that Cage would have adored.

[@schoolsuxsify]

Exactly. Just like within 4'33'', the audience is the sound. And if you watch his live version of Water Walk, people are laughing and he doesn't give a shit.

[@codex7024]

2:37 Nice catch.

[@chacha_rouge]

You can see he's trying hard not to laugh back

[@AnthonyLeighDunstan]

At first I thought this was clickbate, but actually I'm glad I'm here. Irrespective of the intended inference of the video title, this is by far one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. As a composer I'm so encouraged to see this. Interaction with an audience, whatever the intention of the piece, or reception is what making music is all about. And the fact that this piece gets such a positive response from the audience through the joy of laughter, is such a special thing - especially that it's not gimmicky or trite or gaudy. What other composer, who doesn't write melodic and easy-listening music, can say that. Why so serious?! Such a niche audience and yet such an overwhelmingly thoroughly enjoyed response. (Man I'm gushing here). But if you're a composer experimenting, trying out new things, looking for a voice, an identity to express and share with others, remember John Cage, and remember how he never stopped playing with both material and audiences! I think this is EXACTLY what he intended. If you know John Cage's work at all, this is obvious! And you'll always be missing something special if you expect to receive Cage's music like a passive stage-gazer. Peace.

[@BrassComedy]

This what I meant - Joh Cage would be really happy to see that kind of interaction between me (as performer) and that kid who destroyed performance. This performance was one of biggest motivater to "compose" more and more pieces in this style.

[@AnthonyLeighDunstan]

Vairis Nartiss yes I agree, it's just your choice of the word "destroy". It's a very heavy word, especially in this context - art and a child's innocent honest response to it. So I think this is why I took issue with it. I don't mean to be patronising but do you perhaps mean 'distract' or 'disturb' - these words are a little softer and infer more that your 'intention' was to perform this piece without 'distraction' - as you being the performer, I can understand this laughter to be off-putting which is interesting since someone in the comments suggested Cage didn't write anything that required any real musical focus or aptitude - obviously not the case. I find your response to the child's intense joy also very endearing. There is suddenly something very human and fallible which for me is remarkable coming from an edgy character such as Cage, and being a contemporary composer myself. Well, great piece, brilliant performance. Thank you!

[@rjnagle]

I loved this performance, and frankly, the composition does have its theatrical aspects. It really is amazing how clear and spontaneous the child's laughter was throughout. You could not have planned it better.

[@julikearns]

Seems to me that's about the best experience of "Solo for Sliding Trombone" for which one could wish. Brilliant. The child was perfectly in tune. (I like the suit, too.)

[@Darman2361]

If Cage had written the laughing part, it would have included more variation. The kid did a pretty good job though...

[@cscs5308]

Your performance is "nothing" without the kid laughing... It's a great listen because of the laughter...

[@DesGaufresSVP]

Destroy, really?! Sounds like he LOVES it!

[@gixelz]

you were amazing, man. no idea about trombones but coming from the piano side, this was a breath of fresh air. kudos to you sir.

[@graphite2786]

Most unique and truthful performance of 4"33 I've ever experienced ! This was perfect, spontaneous and real. I am astounded!

[@zombiedmind3285]

The kid laughing and the phone going off was the whole point of this performance.

[@vigilancebrandon]

I wouldn't even call this a destroyed performance! You looked like you had way more fun than most performers who play difficult pieces. P.S. Love the suit!

[@BrassComedy]

Hi! Yes, I agree with You - John Cage would be happy to see that kind of "live comedy" situation with his piece.

[@Flightsimmovies]

The kid made this performance perfect!

[@stueystuey1962]

perfect. its perfect. what else could you want? thank you.

[@MatthewDCrane]

It's true. When 4'33" was first performed the audience burst into laughter and he was extremely excited about it. The last time I did 4'33" there was some giggling and it was great, then someone's phone went off and I was so happy at the outcome!

[@dylanfox8597]

Kid is enjoying this 1000% more than anyone else

[@colejackson6396]

That save with the mason jar though

[@BrianTWeingartner]

Not just a kid laughing but a cell phone went off too! Great performance anyway, I'm considering doing this piece.

[@JayWeik]

I'm sure that John would have loved it! I played several of his pieces with his guidance while he was in residence at the New England Conservatory in 91 or 92...

[@Tristanramos1]

You realize that the kid is part of the performance? the laughter is a pure communication with your work. If any other sound is to accompany the recording its this.

[@ICHIVANETTE]

This duo is amazing, you should invite a kid every time you play this piece !

[@axelazaryan]

Cage habria estado feliz con esta formidable perfomance

[@generalskunk6876]

honestly I always found the trombone a funny instrument so I understand the laughter lmao

[@Ozkarmando]

good sounds, great articulations and very funny to heard.

[@heggy_69]

I mean everything is music, so this is really a collaborative piece between you and the child

[@FelixMeister]

All performances of Cage should have children in the audience. Both the adults and the children will be educated on what music is.

[@Kerry.]

Beautiful!

[@Da_TboneLife]

Why is baby/kid laughter sometimes so contagious?

[@Darman2361]

3:43 How long did it take for you to regain your composure here. The video jumps ahead so I am curious how much you edited out of the footage. Was it just everyone laughing, or did you say something? or...

[@larryjohnny]

looks kind of like a classic jerry lewis skit, well done!

[@Xcalator35]

The kid totally got it!!

[@tysonslithers5467]

this is amazing

[@51kirsti]

Destroy? The kid seems to be the only person who understands what it's all about. Check your H.C.Andersen (The Emperor's new clothes)

[@Alan2Bordeaux]

I like the first movement best, the one with obbligato kid laughing !

[@danabaillie3948]

There are other videos on here of this composition with laughing from the audience. Basically it is playing trombone Mr. Bean style.

[@blogger1947]

Do you mean to say this is NOT intended to be a comedic piece?

[@BrassComedy]

Stan Modjesky ;) John Cage was very serious composer.:) But anyway, I'm sure, he would be really happy to see that kind of performance destroying. :)

[@pugfugly1989]

+Stan Modjesky you should check out 4'33", real awesome piece. Then check out the TEDTalks about it.

[@zykify]

@@BrassComedy "serious composer" is not the same as "composer without humour". I'm sure JC was laughing as well :)

[@njmtrumpet]

Vairis Nartiss bro you’re dumb for performing this piece and thinking laughter won’t happen! Ain’t no performance ruining; its what John Cage wanted.

[@angrypaprika4667]

The kid made it even better

[@skaboss79]

Hey you kept your composure, when I used to do recitals I couldn't stand ppl that brought their kids/babies to the performance! Nice job what kind of trombone you playing on? I have a monette as well

[@KCJazzKeys]

This is how too many student composers write for trombone in orchestra, (one mute change per note).

[@BrassComedy]

Hi! Yes, MONETTE You recognized. :) For solo I use my old renovated Bach 42. It is best instrument what I ever had. But of course contemporar Bach's which are made last years cannot be in the same level as mine what I have

[@AlexHolyoke1]

"There was a german philosopher who is very well known, his name was Emmanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that don’t have to mean anything, one is music and the other is laughter. Don’t have to mean anything that is, in order to give us deep pleasure." -John Cage

[@farsyafatari]

Alex Holyoke yeah

[@geraldineileana4978]

Excelente!!!

[@danielorganist1]

Imagine this kid at a La Monte Young performance XD

[@aleksandrastobu6210]

I never like it when the audience make them selves the center of attraction. As is the case with the parents not keeping their kid in line for this one. Its all about allowing space for the people around you to have their own experience. But good sportsmanship from the artist.

[@zykify]

The kid got it :)

[@AnssiRai]

The real question is - why isn't anyone else laughing?

[@KeithOtisEdwards]

Fine suit.

[@celineclapie4411]

J adore

[@BrassComedy]

Yes, I guess John Cage would be happy not so much with stage performance but with these "background" performances - kid laughing, mobile phone calling or coughing.

[@richardjarrell3585]

Neo-Animist blessings

[@aimeej2191]

I think the kid made the performance :D haha

[@ConfusedArmy]

Guys read the describtions.

[@tristanyokom1542]

I feel like saying destroyed in this case is like saying the musician killed it. A positive statement

[@oceancheung6139]

Watch John Cage’s Water walk and you mind be less angry

[@Bieno114]

Creo que el niño fue el único que realmente lo entendió!

[@KingDracSiege]

Where can I get a copy of this?

[@BrassComedy]

Luke Foster Hi! Copy of what? Of video?

[@KingDracSiege]

The piece. I would love to play that on my recital in february!

[@BrassComedy]

Luke Foster You can purchase it in sheet music shops. I can send link

[@chrishcheong8411]

Lom that kid in tha background

[@paunitka7]

How did the kid destroy anything here? Active perception of music is the basis for the postmodern music performance. The sounds don't have any meaning until the audience decide otherwise. In here, the audience decided that the sounds are meant to entertain - which is an important role music has too.

[@jaymo2879]

I think Cage would be right.

[@ЖеняГузненков]

not to destroy

[@BrassComedy]

:)

[@dehlitegie]

didn't cage encourage people to laugh at his music

[@angelrodriguez5192]

so, this can not be a funny stuff? this is hampart

[@rzezniqq]

The king is naked.

[@markus5590]

Comedy😅

[@conceptualsoundproductions3516]

this performance is ridiculous, just like the performer's suit!

[@weatherreport82]

It was not the kid who ruined the performance, it was your choice of suit! :P

[@Seek1878]

What is this crap?

[@AnthonyLeighDunstan]

loner1878 apt username.