When discussing John Cage's music, the word "anarchy" is never far away. There is nothing wrong with this, if the concept of anarchy is used discerningly, and if we remember that anything that lacks not just regimentation but also discipline is doomed to failure. Only those for whom others set the limits can proceed without consequences. By contrast, those who define the rules of their actions for themselves are best off being precise in those actions. Anarchy and discipline: the compelling logic of this combination is best demonstrated using the example of John Cage's lifework. For, however iconoclastic John Cage's thoughts and actions might seem, the open universe that he preached was always precisely surveyed.
