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[silence] First performance of 4'33"


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  • From: Zachary Bond <>
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  • Subject: [silence] First performance of 4'33"
  • Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2022 02:15:12 -0500
  • Authentication-results: eifmailuw2p1.az.virginia.edu; spf=pass (virginia.edu: domain of designates 209.85.221.45 as permitted sender)

I see in the program (https://www.kylegann.com/433-program.jpg) for the 1952 concert in which David Tudor first performed 4'33" that it was preceded by Christian Wolff's "For Prepared Piano."

Does anyone happen to know if Tudor used the same piano for both?  That is, could 4'33" have been first performed with a prepared piano?

I once heard a claim that 4'33" was "traditionally" played (or, not played) on a prepared piano.  That doesn't really make much sense, but I'm trying to figure out where that idea came from and if there could be some kernel of truth to it.

-Zac Bond



  • [silence] First performance of 4'33", Zachary Bond, 02/06/2022

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