From actantial model to conceptual graph: Thematized action in John Cage's 0′00′(4′33′′No. 2). Issue 3 (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fowler, Michael D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mathematics and music. Volume 14:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 328
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: John Cage -- indeterminacy -- 0′00′′(4′33′′No. 2) -- conceptual graphs -- predicate logic -- actantial model -- semiotics -- A. J. Greimas; 03B10 -- 68T30; Music theory -- Periodicals; Music -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Music -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 781.2
• DOI: 10.1080/17459737.2020.1760953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-9737

Abstract

Abstract : In this article, I build an actantial model, M, of John Cage's 1962 indeterminate work 0 ′ 00 ′ ′ (4 ′ 33 ′ ′ No. 2) . To further investigate Greimas' actantial axes of desire, knowledge and power, I generate an ontology, O, that records the facts of the model through hierarchies of relations and concepts. This allows for a conceptual graph (CG), C, that describes the score's instructions and its actants. Extracting subgraphs of C then allows for reasoned arguments about the implications of Cage's instructions in the score, and in particular, the composer's reference to "an obligation to others." Through a conceptual graph rule R, I offer a framework for generating the structure of a score-informed interpretation of 0 ′ 00 ′ ′ (4 ′ 33 ′ ′ No. 2) that is based on a number of key conditionals that map the actants of the piece and their relation to the unfolding of the work's narrative.