M (John Cage book)

M is a book by the American composer John Cage, published in 1973 by Wesleyan University Press. It is a collection of writings and scores that exemplifies Cage's aleatoric and experimental approach to composition and text. The book is notable for its non-linear structure and its reliance on chance operations in its creation.

The content of M includes a variety of material, such as mesostics (a type of poem developed by Cage where a word runs vertically through the center), musical notation, and prose fragments. These elements are often juxtaposed in unexpected ways, encouraging the reader to engage actively in the construction of meaning. The use of chance operations, derived from the I Ching, played a significant role in determining the arrangement and selection of the material included.

M is often considered a companion piece to Cage's earlier work, Silence. While Silence primarily explores the theoretical underpinnings of Cage's aesthetic philosophy, M provides a more practical demonstration of these principles in action. The book emphasizes the importance of indeterminacy, the blurring of boundaries between art and life, and the embrace of chance as a creative force. The book’s design, layout, and textual presentation are integral to the work's meaning, reflecting Cage's interest in challenging conventional notions of authorship and artistic control.