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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the "Strategy" section of "Forerunners of Modern Music," what term does Cage say "is properly mind-controlled"?

2. "Music of Changes" was originally written for what instrument?

3. What genre of art influenced Cage?

4. Cage had a method for bringing about unpredictability where he tossed coins how many times?

5. What grade did Cage get in a college class the first time he wrote in the manner of Gertrude Stein?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Experimental Music: Doctrine," how does Cage respond when asked what he had to say about rhythm?

2. How does Cage feel about writing his article about Erik Satie, as portrayed in the article?

3. Why does Cage say that compositions indeterminate with respect to their performance are by definition experimental?

4. Describe what Cage said about the French and the Italians in a conversation he recalls having at a Venetian restaurant.

5. What happened to Cage when he and Xenia went to New York, expecting to stay with a friend named Max?

6. Describe the story Cage retells of when his mother asked his father to go to church.

7. Why does Cage format "Erik Satie" in a way where he and Satie never hear what the other is saying?

8. What does Cage believe the future holds for sounds that are heard on a regular basis?

9. What advancements in music does Cage attribute to Henry Cowell?

10. How does Cage answer his own question about whether music can be composed without writing it in pencil or ink?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Part 3, the author asks "What has been composed?" because so much is determined randomly. Why do you think Cage asks this question? Does he seem to be undermining his own work as a composer? What point is he trying to make about the relationship between creating and being random?

Essay Topic 2

What ideas or people does Cage say inspired him as an artist? What techniques does the author use to convey to the reader that these ideas or people have inspired him? In other sections in Part 1, do you see traces of these influences?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the author's dedication to innovation and change as seen through his layout on the page. What are some of the techniques Cage uses when writing? What different visual styles does he use? Why do you think he does this? What is he trying to say with his non-traditional style of writing?

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