Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble
Terry Riley: In C
Marking a detour into classical music for the Ghostly International label, this beautiful recording of Terry Riley's groundbreaking and ever-popular minimalist piece, 'In C' (1964) was performed by a 16-player wide Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge, with special guest Dennis DeSantis supplying laptop and effects. Of all the manifold versions of 'In C' out there, this certainly makes a case for being one of the more distinctive and modern readings, bristling with intelligent electronic augmentations that result in an interesting line in abstract rhythms. "Terry Riley's pioneering work of minimalism "In C" (1964) is a truly elegant and unique composition. Comprising 53 brief musical "cells" lasting anywhere from a half a beat to 32 beats, "In C" can be played by any number of musicians, on any instruments of their choosing. The piece shifts from cell to cell by unspoken collective will, becoming a hypnotic ritual of musical community. "In C" can last anywhere twenty minutes to several hours and beyond. At various moments, "In C" sounds like a cascade of laughing birds, a mountain lake humming to itself, or mating season in a herd of wild pianos. At all points, it is beyond beautiful." Recommended.
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Marking a detour into classical music for the Ghostly International label, this beautiful recording of Terry Riley's groundbreaking and ever-popular minimalist piece, 'In C' (1964) was performed by a 16-player wide Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge, with special guest Dennis DeSantis supplying laptop and effects. Of all the manifold versions of 'In C' out there, this certainly makes a case for being one of the more distinctive and modern readings, bristling with intelligent electronic augmentations that result in an interesting line in abstract rhythms. "Terry Riley's pioneering work of minimalism "In C" (1964) is a truly elegant and unique composition. Comprising 53 brief musical "cells" lasting anywhere from a half a beat to 32 beats, "In C" can be played by any number of musicians, on any instruments of their choosing. The piece shifts from cell to cell by unspoken collective will, becoming a hypnotic ritual of musical community. "In C" can last anywhere twenty minutes to several hours and beyond. At various moments, "In C" sounds like a cascade of laughing birds, a mountain lake humming to itself, or mating season in a herd of wild pianos. At all points, it is beyond beautiful." Recommended.
Marking a detour into classical music for the Ghostly International label, this beautiful recording of Terry Riley's groundbreaking and ever-popular minimalist piece, 'In C' (1964) was performed by a 16-player wide Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge, with special guest Dennis DeSantis supplying laptop and effects. Of all the manifold versions of 'In C' out there, this certainly makes a case for being one of the more distinctive and modern readings, bristling with intelligent electronic augmentations that result in an interesting line in abstract rhythms. "Terry Riley's pioneering work of minimalism "In C" (1964) is a truly elegant and unique composition. Comprising 53 brief musical "cells" lasting anywhere from a half a beat to 32 beats, "In C" can be played by any number of musicians, on any instruments of their choosing. The piece shifts from cell to cell by unspoken collective will, becoming a hypnotic ritual of musical community. "In C" can last anywhere twenty minutes to several hours and beyond. At various moments, "In C" sounds like a cascade of laughing birds, a mountain lake humming to itself, or mating season in a herd of wild pianos. At all points, it is beyond beautiful." Recommended.