Did John Cage Notarize Cage 4'33 Score For Copyright?

2025-08-28 07:36:59 337

4 Answers

Lincoln
Lincoln
2025-08-30 08:58:59
I was poking around copyright stuff for a paper once and learned the practical bit: Cage didn’t need a notary to secure rights in '4'33"'. Copyright law gives protection when a work is fixed in a tangible medium — the written score qualifies. Notarization is irrelevant to whether copyright exists; it’s a separate notary-public process used for certifying signatures or dates on documents, not for establishing authorship under copyright law.

If you’re trying to prove registration or see whether Cage or his publisher formally registered '4'33"', check the U.S. Copyright Office records or the Library of Congress catalog. Registration records will show who filed, when, and what form of the work was registered. Also remember that the copyright protects Cage’s expression — the score’s instructions — not the silence produced in performance, which is an interesting distinction often misunderstood.
Quinn
Quinn
2025-09-01 05:39:00
I’ll keep this short and practical: notarization wasn’t required for John Cage to have rights in '4'33"'. Copyright comes from fixation; the written score did that. Notaries certify signatures but don’t create copyright.

If you need proof of formal registration, search the U.S. Copyright Office or the Library of Congress catalogs. They list registrations and can show who registered which edition. And a small tip: the work is still under copyright (Cage died in 1992, so standard life-plus-70 rules apply in many places), so be cautious about reproducing the score without checking permissions.
Braxton
Braxton
2025-09-01 10:39:14
When my composition teacher brought this up we all thought notarization sounded official, but it’s a red herring. For '4'33"' the protectable element is the score — the three movements and the instructions — and that’s enough to be fixed and thus copyrighted. Notaries don’t confer copyright; registration with the Copyright Office does offer additional legal remedies, though it isn’t necessary to hold copyright in the first place.

If you want to verify whether Cage or his estate registered a particular edition or arrangement, the quickest routes are the Copyright Public Catalog (online) or the old Catalog of Copyright Entries in major research libraries. Searching variant titles helps: sometimes entries use words rather than numerals. Also, keep in mind that copyright law protects the notation and text of the piece, not the abstract idea of silence — which is why legal discussions about '4'33"' get so lively in classroom debates.
Julia
Julia
2025-09-02 02:19:38
I’ve often bumped into this question in conversation with fellow concert-goers: no, Cage didn’t need to notarize '4'33"' to claim copyright. In the U.S. copyright springs from fixation — once something is written down or otherwise fixed, the work is protected. For '4'33"' that fixation is the score and the tempo/movement instructions, not the absence of sound. Notarizing a manuscript isn’t part of the copyright law; it’s an extra formality that people sometimes do for other kinds of paperwork, but it doesn’t create or substitute for copyright registration.

If you want a paper trail, what matters is registration with the U.S. Copyright Office (or equivalent national body). Registration isn’t required to own copyright, but it helps if you ever needed to enforce it. If you’re curious about the official record, the Library of Congress or the Copyright Office’s catalogs are the places to look — search for John Cage and '4'33"' (try variants like Four minutes, thirty-three seconds). The protection covers Cage’s written instructions and score, not silence itself, which is a neat legal twist that always sparks good debates at post-concert drinks.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Cage to Cage
Cage to Cage
Brynn has been held captive for 21 years, since she was 5 years old. When she finally escapes she restarts her life. Job, friends, dating. Until one night her step sister takes her out abandoning her in a well known mafia club. That’s where she runs into the most dangerous men in the city, Vex Maddock and his right hand man Kade Russo. Rejecting his advances, Vex is intrigued, following her, protecting her. She becomes his obsession. But Brynn’s life is anything but innocent. Her dark secrets come back to haunt her. Vex and Kade must find a way to keep her alive, while also trying not to fall for her.
10
153 Chapters
Alpha's Cage
Alpha's Cage
When her body is branded as a mere commodity... and her heart is shackled by two powerful female Alphas. Merin, a broken Omega, is dragged into a world where pain is the primary language. She is possessed by Aries, a raging blizzard who uses violence to assert her ownership, and trained by Lisena, a seductive flame who uses sweet punishments to melt her heart. Beneath the shadow of chains and the tip of a whip... amidst whimpers held back until her body trembles, fear transforms into burning desire, and submission becomes the only way for her to feel ‘valued.’ When the cage that confines her is not of steel, but the embrace of the two Alphas, and the only freedom left is to surrender her whole heart to this twisted ‘love’... how will this three-way bondage end? “Whose body is this... Speak your owner's name.”
Not enough ratings
5 Chapters
The Gilded Cage
The Gilded Cage
"He bought her name. She refused to surrender her soul." Elara Hawthorne’s father owed a fortune. Silas Vancewick came to collect. The heir to the Vancewick dynasty is a man carved from granite and control. His slate-grey eyes promise cold, absolute possession. Silas doesn't want a wife; he requires a pawn to secure his flawless legacy. But Elara, with her untamed copper defiance, is a queen forced into chains. Their forced marriage is a contract sealed in cold blood and burning resentment. Trapped in his opulent manor, they are engaged in a silent, suffocating war. Silas is obsessed with breaking the spirit he claims to despise. Elara fights for survival against the devastating realization that the only man who owns her name is the one who threatens to consume her heart. He demanded obedience. She promised war. The quiet hours of the night are their most terrifying battleground.
10
48 Chapters
The Gilded Cage
The Gilded Cage
The golden boy of high society once stopped a plane for me. And I? I once ran away while pregnant, disappearing for three years. We got married. Nine years later, a younger, stunning woman appeared by his side. She was vibrant and fearless, joining him in all his wild adventures. Meanwhile, I had become a stay-at-home mom, spending my days making sure our daughter didn’t eat junk food. My husband said in disappointment, “Elaine, you’re not the woman you used to be.” Even our daughter complained. “Miss Snow is smart, gorgeous, and makes her own money. But you? You just rely on my dad.” The next morning, I grabbed my ID and filed for divorce. They must have forgotten that at twenty-two, I had the guts to jump off a cliff into the ocean just to break free, and at thirty-five, I would still have the strength to start over.
15 Chapters
Alpha's Cage Bride
Alpha's Cage Bride
You are mine, little lamb! No matter where you go, I'll find you.” Jared said in a soft voice, yet Lael couldn’t shake off the deadly underlying tone beneath it. She knew he was trouble. She knew he was danger. Wherever he goes, Death and Hades follow after. Alpha Jared was a ruthless Alpha and now she is at his mercy either she accepts his proposal or she loses her brother. ~~~ When Alpha Jared captured Lael from her pack, he binds her to him with a powerful blood tie. He was supposed to make her fall in love with him to break the curse, but Lael vows to escape and exact revenge on the dominant wolf who had stolen her freedom. Lael, determined to ruin him, was shocked to discover that her hatred had turned into a forbidden attraction towards the beast. Now she is torn between her thirst for revenge or give in to her attraction. Where blood, loyalty, secret and power are interconnected, let dive into the story to see what choice Lael would pick.
Not enough ratings
6 Chapters
The Princess' Golden Cage
The Princess' Golden Cage
"You need to learn to respect me, girl. It is already decided and done. Get ready because your fiancé will be here in a few days." My eyes filled with tears that mixed my despair with the anger I felt at having my hands tied, but I did not lower my head, and although the tears fell in abundance down my face, I looked at him with a defiant posture. Caroline Andermier is the princess of the kingdom of Tresoria and the only heir to the throne. Everybody believes that her life is perfect, but her parents are forcing her to get married so the prince consort will reign in her place. Unhappy with her future, Caroline meets a brave soldier that is going to change her way to see her world and also her heart. Will she be able to be a fair queen to her people and also with her heart?
10
54 Chapters

Related Questions

What Is The Release Date For 'The Golden Cage Trilogy: Echoes Of Fate'?

3 Answers2025-06-12 09:17:25
I've been tracking 'The Golden Cage Trilogy: Echoes of Fate' like a hawk since the first teaser dropped. The official release date is November 17th, 2023. This date got leaked by a major bookstore chain's pre-order page before the publisher confirmed it. What's cool is that they're doing a simultaneous global release in over 30 languages, which is pretty rare for fantasy novels. The author hinted at special collector's editions with bonus content dropping the same day, including never-before-seen maps of the magical prison dimensions central to the story. If you want physical copies, better pre-order fast because the signed editions are selling out everywhere.

Where Can I Buy 'The Golden Cage Trilogy: Echoes Of Fate'?

3 Answers2025-06-12 10:38:25
I just grabbed 'The Golden Cage Trilogy: Echoes of Fate' last week and it was easier to find than I expected. Major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble have it in both paperback and hardcover. If you prefer digital, Kindle and Kobo offer the ebook version at a lower price. Local bookstores might carry it too—just call ahead to check their stock. The publisher’s website sometimes has special editions with extra artwork, though those sell out fast. Pro tip: Check used book sites like ThriftBooks or AbeBooks if you’re on a budget. The series is gaining popularity, so prices fluctuate depending on demand.

How Does 'The Gilded Cage' End For The Protagonist?

5 Answers2025-06-28 18:47:10
In 'The Gilded Cage', the protagonist's journey culminates in a bittersweet liberation. After years of navigating opulent deception among the elite, they orchestrate a meticulous escape from their gilded prison. The final act sees them exposing the corrupt system that entrapped them, using insider knowledge to dismantle key players’ power. Their victory isn’t without cost—they lose allies and must abandon their luxurious facade, but gain true autonomy. The closing scenes show them walking away from the skyline of their former life, finally free yet haunted by the scars of manipulation. The narrative leaves their future ambiguous but hopeful, suggesting reinvention beyond the cage’s shadows. The ending masterfully contrasts glittering artifice with raw humanity. Instead of a cliché triumph, the protagonist’s win feels earned and fragile. Their final confrontation isn’t a physical battle but a psychological unmasking, where they reject the cage’s allure by choosing authenticity over comfort. Symbolism peaks as they literally and metaphorically shed designer clothes for ordinary attire, stepping into an uncertain but honest existence. It’s a poignant reminder that some prisons are velvet-lined, and breaking out requires sacrificing more than just walls.

Why Did 'The Gilded Cage' Become A Bestseller?

5 Answers2025-06-28 00:19:36
'The Gilded Cage' became a bestseller because it masterfully blends high-stakes drama with razor-sharp social commentary. The novel exposes the dark underbelly of wealth and power, resonating with readers tired of superficial glamour. Its protagonist, a cunning outsider trapped in a world of opulence, offers a fresh perspective on ambition and survival. The book's pacing is relentless, with twists that feel both shocking and inevitable. Vivid descriptions make the luxurious settings almost tangible, while the characters' moral dilemmas linger long after the last page. Critics praise its unflinching look at privilege, but it's the emotional depth that truly hooks readers—every betrayal and triumph hits hard.

Is 'Lily In A Cage' Based On A True Story?

2 Answers2025-06-07 18:34:20
I've read 'Lily in a Cage' and dug into its background because the story felt too raw to be purely fictional. The novel follows a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship, and the psychological depth suggests the author might have drawn from real-life experiences or case studies. While there's no official confirmation it's based on a specific true story, the themes align eerily well with documented patterns of coercive control and trauma bonding. The descriptions of isolation tactics—like cutting off Lily's access to friends and monitoring her communications—mirror strategies used by real abusers. The setting also feels researched, with details about underground support networks for abuse victims that match real-world organizations. What stands out is how the story avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the slow erosion of Lily's autonomy, which makes it feel grounded. Some readers speculate the author interviewed survivors or worked in advocacy, given how accurately minor details like the abuser's love-bombing phases or the way gaslighting escalates are portrayed. Whether directly autobiographical or not, the book's power comes from its emotional truth rather than strict factual accuracy.

Does 'Lily In A Cage' Have A Happy Ending?

3 Answers2025-06-07 22:36:37
I just finished 'Lily in a Cage' last night, and man, that ending hit hard. It's not your typical happily-ever-after, but it's satisfying in its own way. Lily survives her ordeal, but she's fundamentally changed—she’s free physically but still haunted by what happened. The last scene shows her planting a garden where her cage once stood, which feels bittersweet. It’s hopeful, but you can’t ignore the scars. If you want pure joy, this isn’t it, but if you appreciate endings that feel earned and real, this delivers. The author doesn’t sugarcoat trauma, and that’s what makes it powerful.

What Genre Is 'Lily In A Cage' Classified As?

3 Answers2025-06-07 07:11:28
I've seen 'Lily in a Cage' pop up in discussions a lot lately, and it's clearly a psychological thriller with heavy dystopian undertones. The story traps you in this claustrophobic world where the protagonist's mental state unravels as she navigates a society that's both bizarre and eerily familiar. It blends elements of suspense with speculative fiction, creating this unsettling vibe that lingers. The way it explores power dynamics and personal freedom through a distorted lens reminds me of 'The Handmaid's Tale' but with a more modern, fragmented narrative style. Fans of 'Black Mirror' would appreciate its bleak yet thought-provoking atmosphere.

Where Can I Read 'Lily In A Cage' Online?

3 Answers2025-06-07 08:54:05
I stumbled upon 'Lily in a Cage' while browsing for dark fantasy manga adaptations. The best place I found was MangaDex, where it's fully translated and updated regularly. The site's clean interface makes binge-reading easy, and the community translations maintain the story's gritty tone perfectly. You can also find the official Japanese version on ComicWalker with raw scans if you prefer supporting creators directly. For physical copies, check Kinokuniya's online store—they often stock imported volumes. Just a heads-up: some aggregator sites have poor quality scans, so stick to these verified platforms for the best experience.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status