Inspired by Ferruccio Busoni and possibly the Italian Futurists, Edgard Varese wanted to be able to compose and work with all possible sounds, not just those available in a traditional orchestra. As new instruments, capable of producing new sounds, were introduced composers and musicians also started looking at what kind of new sounds were available by utilizing traditional instruments in new ways, either by modifying the instrument or by using alternate ways of playing them.

Around the time of the first manifestos written by the Futurists the usage of percussion instruments to enhance musical expression started increase as well, think of Stravinsky’s Le Sacre Du Printemps and Varese’s Ionisation. John Cage not having the ability to employ a full scale percussion ensemble turned a regular piano into a keyboard controlled percussion instrument (if a hammering piano isn’t one already), by applying small objects between the strings.