Variations is a series of works by American composer John Cage that explores indeterminacy, spatialisation, and performance as process. Some of the pieces are musical in nature, while others function as happenings—actions unfolding in real time according to chance-based instructions. There are 8 variations in total, spanning Cage’s career from 1958 to 1978.
MAZE has created their own interpretations of Variations I–IV, embracing Cage’s emphasis on freedom, unpredictability, and deep listening. This ongoing engagement has been central to the ensemble’s development over the past decade, shaping how they work with open scores, electronics, and spatialized performance.
Looking ahead, MAZE plans to continue exploring the series, developing new realisations of the later Variations works — carrying forward Cage’s invitation to create in the moment.