John Cage was a respected composer when, in 1952, he created his “silent piece”, 4’33’’ - a piece that would have the music world scratching their heads. This episode asks whether 4’33’’ is really “silent”, and we explore the history of a piece musicians still talk about today - and speak to the man who campaigned to get it to the top the British charts in 2010. Featuring composers Kyle Gann and Nahre Sol, and artist Dave Hilliard.

Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor. Follow the show on Twitter & Facebook.  Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Check out Kyle Gann’s No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage's 4'33" wherever you get your books.See Nahre’s work at nahresol.com.Find Dave Hilliard on Instragram at davehilliardart. Listen to more of Martin Zalta Austwick’s music at palebirdmusic.com.Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/433Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices