Everitt Clark wrote in part regarding 4'33":

>In a similar vein, there have been "arrangements" of 4'33" for everything
>from small chamber ensembles to full-sized choirs (with soloists!).  I
>imagine they usually do something witty like raising their bows or opening
>their mouths as the piece is about to start, then relaxing as soon as the
>conductor gives the first downbeat.  At least, that's what I would do,
>being somewhat of an inscrutable wag myself.

This, of course, would be parallel to doing something absurd during a
mass, and most musicians wouldn't dain to in that situation, so why during
4'33"? This is not a time for trying to be witty.  It is not difficult to
understand that the nature of 4'33" is of contemplation; surely everyone
knows by now Cage's immersion into Buddhistic practice and thought.  Most
musicians are capable of occasionally getting control of their egos and
performing as the composer desires, maybe even centering themselves.

Jim Hunsley