Silence; Lectures and Writings Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

Silence; Lectures and Writings Topics for Discussion

Do you agree with the author's philosophical contention (see "Part 1—Experimental Music" and "Quotes—Experimental Music (5)) that "something new does not by that fact deprive what was of its proper place"? Consider this maxim in a variety of contexts—social (does gay marriage, for example, deprive heterosexual marriage of its place), technological (does the DVD deprive VHS of its place, does personal communication by email deprive letter writing of its place), spiritual (does new age spirituality deprive Christianity of its place)? Debate your answers.

Discuss the author's comment in Experimental Music that "Composing's one thing, performing's another, listening's a third." Is there a point to the act of composing if there is no performance, or no listener? Is there a point to the act of composing and performing if there is no listener?

Consider the author's comment in "History of Experimental Music in the United States" that history...
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