Abstract
Traditional historiographical practices deal almost exclusively with prospective chains of influence, prioritizing the canonic over the non-canonic, and the influence flowing from an individual over the influences flowing toward her or him. Similarly, historical pre-eminence is valued more than historical accuracy. Although John Cage's view of history originally chimed with these traditional practices, from the 1940s onward he increasingly came to dismiss teleological historiography in favor of an alternative view that might be characterized as ‘centrality.’ This essay examines Cage's journey from traditional to alternative historiographic practices, focusing in particular on a passage in ‘Communication,’ the third of his 1958 Darmstadt lectures, and reflects on the challenges created by a historiography based in centrality.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
