Six Melodies (Cage)

Six Melodies for Violin and Keyboard is a composition by American composer John Cage, written in 1950. This work is significant for its application of Cage's indeterminacy principles, although it does not rely on chance operations to the same extent as some of his later works. Instead, the indeterminacy lies in the performers' freedom in interpreting the rhythmic notation.

The score consists of two staves, one for the violin and one for the keyboard. Rhythmic notation is unconventional; rather than using traditional note values, Cage employs spatial notation. The position of the notes on the page dictates their relative duration, allowing for a degree of flexibility in the timing of each note and the overall duration of each melody.

The title, Six Melodies, is somewhat ironic, as the pieces often lack traditional melodic contours. The work often features isolated sounds and sustained tones, reflecting Cage's interest in exploring the nature of sound itself, rather than adhering to conventional notions of melody and harmony.

The composition requires careful listening and collaboration between the performers to achieve a coherent performance, due to the inherent indeterminacy of the rhythmic notation. Each performance is thus a unique interpretation of the score. The Six Melodies are considered an important example of Cage's early experimental period and a precursor to his more radical indeterminate works.