John Cage - The Seasons / Leng Tan, Russell Davies, et al
This astonishing disc is possibly the best collection of John Cage's music now on the market. It covers the gamut of Cage's radicalism as well as his humor, and as such there is something for everyone (newbies included). Of particular delight here isSuite for Toy Piano(1948), which employs only the white keys in a single octave, and the beautifully orchestrated version that follows (done by Lou Harrison, a friend of Cage, in 1963). But three of Cage's absolute masterpieces--each totally different from the other--are also here: the eerieSeventy-Four(1992), the ballet score forThe Seasons(1947) and the rivetingConcerto for Prepared Piano and Chamber Orchestra(1950-51). Everything you need to know about John Cage is right here.--Paul Cook