Number Pieces

The term Number Pieces refers to a body of late compositions (40, or 41 if Seventeen was actually composed) by John Cage.

The vast majority of these works were composed using Cage's time bracket technique: the score consists of short fragments (frequently just one note, with or without dynamics) and indications, in minutes and seconds, during which the fragment can start and by what time it should end.

All of the Number Pieces were composed during the last six years of Cage's life, 1987–1992.

Most are for traditional instruments, with six exceptions that range from works for rainsticks, the Japanese aerophone shō and conch shells to an electronically amplified version of 4′33″.

1 live and 3 recorded cellos Cage's late orchestral works are to be performed without a conductor.