maybe it was nervous laughter? plus the host warned John Cage that they may laugh so he kinda set it up. It is interesting the way he seemed to get the audience ready, like diffusing any shouts of protest. Like Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" Its funny now, but back in the day audiences would get angry and throw things if they didnt like stuff (maybe not on television). Maybe tv changed that? I would be interested to know that particular history.
It might be a cultural thing with the laughter at Cage's performance. The things he was doing on stage, intrinsically, they seemed like the things a radio personality might do on his show to make it more exciting. Like the cymbal on the water, that one sound might be used for slapstick sound effects. The approach seems similar.
And like Mark said, it might have been nervous laughter. If they didn't understand the experimental nature, and there's this new, "ridiculous" looking thing happening, what can they do but laugh, if not predisposed to outrage (or, as Cage suggested, tears)?
I wonder what other guests they had on the show previous (and while we're at it, after) Cage. I want to know the context of this video.
3 comments:
I find it interesting that they laughed during Cages performance. I didn't find it funny at all.
maybe it was nervous laughter? plus the host warned John Cage that they may laugh so he kinda set it up. It is interesting the way he seemed to get the audience ready, like diffusing any shouts of protest. Like Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" Its funny now, but back in the day audiences would get angry and throw things if they didnt like stuff (maybe not on television). Maybe tv changed that? I would be interested to know that particular history.
It might be a cultural thing with the laughter at Cage's performance. The things he was doing on stage, intrinsically, they seemed like the things a radio personality might do on his show to make it more exciting. Like the cymbal on the water, that one sound might be used for slapstick sound effects. The approach seems similar.
And like Mark said, it might have been nervous laughter. If they didn't understand the experimental nature, and there's this new, "ridiculous" looking thing happening, what can they do but laugh, if not predisposed to outrage (or, as Cage suggested, tears)?
I wonder what other guests they had on the show previous (and while we're at it, after) Cage. I want to know the context of this video.
Kelly (having password issues)
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