John Cage Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Water WalkJohn Cage8rank/position

John Cage “Water Walk” performed by Maya Kawasaki

John Cage, a composer who epitomizes avant-garde music of the 20th century, created the experimental piano piece Water Walk from his unconventional ideas—a work that differs somewhat from what is typically called a musical composition.

It features a boundary-pushing performance that uses water-themed toys and kitchen tools as instruments, while simultaneously sounding a grand piano and multiple radios.

Valuing chance in performance and deeply influenced by Indian philosophy and Zen Buddhism, Cage’s thinking can be felt in this unique piece that challenged conventional notions of musical value.

Études AustralesJohn Cage9rank/position

John Cage – Etudes Australes (1974-1975)

John Cage, a visionary spirit who brought innovation to the worlds of art and music, composed Etudes Australes between 1974 and 1975, drawing inspiration from star charts depicting the southern hemisphere’s night sky.

Conceived as a “duet” for two independent hands that does not rely on traditional chords, the work ambitiously explores how harmony can arise within non-harmonic music.

By leaving the choice of sounds to the performer’s discretion, it invites listeners to adopt new ways of listening.

Expanding the possibilities of piano music, this piece is highly recommended for those deeply engaged with contemporary music and eager to explore.

OpheliaJohn Cage10rank/position

John Cage: Piano Works (Full Album)

“Ophelia” is a work by the American avant-garde composer John Cage, inspired by Ophelia, the heroine of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, expressing her mental disarray and tragic fate.

Eschewing traditional melody and harmony, it employs dissonance and silence to deftly portray Ophelia’s inner turmoil.

The ebb and flow of texture and dynamics convey surges of intense emotion to the listener.

Through Cage’s distinctive methods of probing a character’s psychology, this piece ambitiously pursues the expressive possibilities of music and can be recommended to those seeking an emotional experience beyond words.

Bacchus FestivalJohn Cage11rank/position

John Cage – Bacchanale for Prepared Piano (1938) [Score-Video]

John Cage, a composer who epitomizes twentieth-century avant-garde music.

From his works that overturned musical conventions with original ideas, we introduce “Bacchanale” for prepared piano.

A prepared piano is played by inserting objects such as rubber or bolts between the strings to alter the timbre.

By using this technique, Cage drew new sonic possibilities out of the piano.

Composed as an experimental piece to accompany dance, this work transcends traditional musical frameworks and lets you experience Cage’s innovative approach, which incorporates chance and environmental sounds.

Savor this sonic adventure born from Cage’s free-thinking imagination!

Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano: Interlude 3John Cage12rank/position

Interlude No.3 John Cage: Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano / Hiroshi Yokoyama

John Cage was a leading American avant-garde composer of the 20th century.

Eschewing the confines of classical musical frameworks, he is known for his original methods, such as incorporating chance operations and using prepared piano.

One of his representative works, Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano, is a unique piano piece that creates a mysterious resonance through special tuning and performance techniques.

It may be startling at first listen, but it is precisely those unfamiliar with contemporary music whom I encourage to give it a try.

Encountering Cage’s innovative musical vision will likely broaden your sense of what music can be.

Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano: Sonata VJohn Cage13rank/position

John Cage – Sonata V (from Sonatas and Interludes) – Inara Ferreira, prepared piano

John Cage is a leading avant-garde composer representing the United States.

His music is known for actively incorporating unique elements—such as chance operations and environmental sounds—that go beyond traditional frameworks.

Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano is one of his signature works, employing a “prepared piano,” in which the instrument’s timbre is altered through special techniques.

This approach produces unexpected sounds and noises from the piano, offering a diverse palette of tones reminiscent of percussion.

It’s recommended not only for those interested in avant-garde music, but also for anyone who wants to experience the boundless expanse of sound.

Metamorphosis No. 1 (Transformation)John Cage14rank/position

John Cage: Piano Works (Full Album)

Metamorphosis is a piano piece composed in 1938 by John Cage, known as a standard-bearer of avant-garde music.

It employs a distinctive method, constructed solely from fragments of rows without variation.

The work strongly reflects his experimental approach, making extensive use of serialism and counterpoint.

While it lacks the familiar melodies and harmonies found in conventional pieces, by attuning oneself to its non-traditional sonorities, one can experience a new kind of musical encounter.

Highly recommended for those interested in contemporary music or wishing to explore Cage’s innovative style.