John Cage recital set to last 639 years recently witnessed a chord change

It doesn't make sense to me that the piece should start with a 17 month rest. Surely it doesn't really start until the first note is played?

In a live orchestra performance, the conductor raises his hands. The audience quiets in anticipation.

He gives an up tick indicating the beginning of the music, then the downbeat of the start of the first measure.

No sound is heard.

The conductor continues to mark time. The silence is deep...profound.

The conductor continues to mark the time of the passing measures.

The audience listens.

At some point, positive sound breaks the silence - suddenly, loudly destroying the stillness! Or possibly very nearly silently - at the uncertain threshold of perception, the audible music begins...

> the audible music begins...

right, so it begins when the music starts playing?

The experience begins when the conductor starts marking time.

That's like saying "my meal begins from the time I start driving to the restaurant". It's just not true.

Incorrect. A rest is as important to music as a note.