Terry Riley: In C

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.