Composer Terry Riley was a huge influence on the minimalist side of contemporary classical music, as well as on electronic music and rock. His work combined an interest in Northern Indian classical music with jazz improvisation and the use of such studio techniques as tape loops, overdubbing, and more.
In C (composed 1964, released 1968) is a composition for large ensemble characterized by the phasing of a sequence of musical phrases by members of the ensemble (out of sync with each other, of course—this is experimental stuff!) and a repeated single pulse of C to give the piece some rhythmic propulsion. Every performance will inherently be different.
The other two pieces here (released 1969) were assembled in the studio using overdubbing and tape loops and more. “A Rainbow in Curved Air” features interwoven electronic keyboard improvisations with scattered percussion accompaniment. (A quick listen to it side-by-side with the opening minute of Who’s Next will show you why he’s the Riley part of “Baba O’Riley.”) Saxophone drones and tape loops characterize “Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band,” which sounds like plenty of “experimental” new stuff I’ve heard fairly recently.
All three are hypnotic, trance-inducing pieces. Good stuff.
Cover Art:
- A Rainbow in Curved Air: Source, Discogs.com
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