Article Defined or Undefined: The Gradual Process of Value Formation applies the idea of rationality and the revised tripartite model to John Cage’s Solo for Piano to investigate rationalisation in this musical work. The finding suggests that the graphic notations require bilateral participation from John Cage and the performer – Cage developed paper imperfections to semi-determinate compositional materials; the performer determines the final details of materials. Together, they form the gradational formation of value in the Solo for Piano.
Chia-Linge Peng is Music PhD candidate at Newcastle University, supervised by Dr. Paul Attinello and Dr. Dariusz Gafijczuk. Her PhD project investigates the development of rationality by (i) emphasising causality on both societal and individual levels, (ii) differentrating musical elements’ affectual function and affectual results, (iii) recognising relations among compositional elements, and (iv) visualising the invisible systems and structure of graphic scores. She welcomes potential collaborations in publishing, conference presentations, or performances.
