The intensional feature in defining a music work (John Cage’s ‘Branches’ as an example)

The article analyses the musical work "Branches" by John Cage. Ian Campbell’s critical remark that "Branches" does not sufficiently express the composer’s conceptual meaning is considered. To this end, firstly, it is suggested that Branches should be categorized as musical work based on Andrew Kania’s definition of music. It is emphasized that one of the important criteria of definition is the intensional criterion. It is suggested that Cage’s intention in Branches should be interpreted as a conceptual statement on the fundamental importance of nature for the future of humankind, as well as an endeavor to demonstrate "pure" sounds. It is noted that the importance of the intensional criterion is related to the problem of authenticity of the musical work. Stephen Davies’ argument that authenticity is the literal adherence to the composer’s prescriptions (score) is examined. As an alternative to Davies’ position, the notion of interpretive authenticity in the works of Julian Dodd and Nemesio Puy is analyzed. It is concluded that if Campbell’s thesis is accepted, the performance of the work will be non-authentic.