Mysterious Adventure

Composed in 1945. Premiered in New York, January 9, 1945.

8 minutes

This work was originally used as music for the eponymous choreographed piece by Merce Cunningham, using a compatible rhythmic structure. It is divided into 5 sections, arranged in block-like, modular segments that reappear in various forms. The work’s frenetic activities, not having particular direction, as well as its repetitions, make it a rather trivial piece, less successful than other of Cage’s simpler, more understated pieces, wherein tension and drive are better maintained. The piano preparation is moderately complicated, involving 27 notes. It is available in the CF Peters compilation "Prepared Piano Music 1940-47, Vol. 2" (catalog number noted).

There are 12 recordings of Mysterious Adventure in our database.

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The Complete John Cage Edition, Volume 37 Complete Short Works for Prepared Piano

Philipp Vandré, prepared piano

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