A Flower (1950)

This work is written in a double rhythmic structure, following the structure of the dance for which it was written: 7 x 7 measures of 5/4 (1, 3, 1, 2) and 5 x 5 measures of 10/4 (1/2, 1 1/2, 1/2, 1, 1 1/2). The singer is instructed to vocalize without vibrato, as in folk singing, except where indicated. Transpositions may be made in order to sing in a lower, more comfortable range. The piano lid is closed and should be knocked upon, either on its front or back portions, in one of two ways, i.e. with the fingers or with the knuckles of a closed fist. Since Richard Lippold’s dance was suggestive of flora, Cage tried to suggest fauna in his music.