Quote by John Milton Cage

Percussion music is revolution. Sound and rhythm have too long been submissive to the restrictions of nineteenth century music. Today we are fighting for their emancipation. Tomorrow, with electronic music in our ears, we will hear freedom. At the present stage of revolution, a healthy lawlessness is warranted. Experiment must necessarily be carried on by hitting anything-tin pans, rice bowls, iron pipes-anything we can lay our hands on. Not only hitting, but rubbing, scraping, making sound in every possible way...What we can't do ourselves will be done by machines which we will invent.

Summary

This quote expresses the belief that percussion music is a form of revolution, breaking free from the constraints of classical music. The idea is that by exploring new sounds, rhythms, and using unconventional instruments, such as tin pans or iron pipes, musicians can liberate themselves from the restrictions imposed by traditional music. It also suggests that advancements in electronic music and the invention of new machines will further push the boundaries, leading to greater artistic freedom and experimentation in the future.