John Cage’s silent masterpiece 4’33” is one of classical music’s most controversial compositions. In his new book, No Such Thing as Silence, musician and critic Kyle Gann not only explains why the piece incited such a stir but also why it is still best experienced live. “Cage didn’t believe in recordings and wouldn’t listen to them,” Gann writes. “He doubtless preferred his 4’33” live and in situ.”

So would we, but for those who can’t experience the piece in person, this YouTube clip will have to suffice.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUJagb7hL0E&hl=en_US&fs=1&]