Cage created art that transcends music and you are rightfully noting that it is not that impressive when judged solely on musical merit.

It’s like saying a dodecahedron isn’t that impressive when viewed sitting on a 2D plane because it’s just a triangke and there are more interesting 2D shapes. True, but so reductive it’s tautological.

In what way does it transcend music? What other form of art, other than music, is he operating in?