Beyond the sound of silence: a unique contribution to music

A series of events in Cork this weekend marks the centenary of innovative composer John Cage, Don O’Mahony reports

THROUGH his life’s work, John Cage strove to break down barriers and explore music in innovative ways. And yet, outside the realms of academia, this giant of 20th century music often seemed a remote, almost rarefied figure.

That changed in the most surprising manner when the worlds of avant-garde composition and TV talent shows nearly collided in the crucible of the pop charts.