433X22

4'33'', probably the most famous piece by the composer and artist John Cage, was premiered by the pianist David Tudor on 29 August 1952 at the Maverick Concert Hall in Woodstock / New York. Tudor interpreted the three movements of the piece without notes merely by closing and opening the piano lid at the beginning and end of each movement. It is a work without intentional sounds, but with the intention of addressing what we hear when there is seemingly nothing to hear. 4'33'' is not defined in total soundlessness or eventlessness, but by everything that reaches the ear, the perception of the listener during the performance.

For a year now, humanity has been in a crisis, the extent and effects of which cannot yet be truly grasped. At the same time, however, this crisis has also made numerous dramatic issues even more visible: climate change, social, political and digital transformation processes.

It is fatal that it is precisely in this situation that art finds it difficult to assume its role in society. TONLAGEN - Dresdner Tage der zeitgenössischen Musik will also not be able to take place in the planned form, and other events had to be cancelled or rearranged at short notice. 433X22 is intended to emphasise the special situation of the arts, but also of this festival, and to provide food for thought about this situation, about music, silence and pauses.

On each of the 22 days of the festival, from 11 April to 2 May, an interpretation of John Cage's composition 4'33'' was presented every morning from 10:00 a.m. on www.hellerau.org, among others with Staatskapelle Dresden, AuditivVokal, ensemble courage as well as Bernadette La Hengst, Moritz Simon Geist, EVÎN or David Adam.