Presenting the Concert for Piano and Orchestra

Abstract

This chapter examines the public presentation of the Concert for Piano and Orchestra in four guises, in its New York premiere, in the development and release of the recording of that performance, in its European premiere in Cologne, and its centrality to Cage’s publishing history. It critically examines narratives of the allegedly catastrophic early performances, and reveals too the complex network of individuals involved in bringing them about, as well, as a result, of the enormous importance of a relatively small number of influential promoters and supporters of Cage’s work.