The score for "In C” is comprised of 53 short musical phrases that can be repeated ad infinitum, leading to performances as long as four hours.
Terry Riley's landmark minimalist composition "In C" will be reissued March 24 on Sony Classical.
The musicians arbitrarily choose which phrase to play and for how long before moving on to the next, making each performance unique.
New liner notes feature interviews with Riley and the supporting musicians.
“In C” was a huge influence on the future work of composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich.
This edition, which is remastered from the original session tapes, is part of a new branded series through Sony Classical, called “Carnegie Hall Presents.”
In addition, the piece will be performed April 24 at New York's Carnegie Hall.
This reissue commemorates the 45th anniversary of its premiere.
Performers are Carnegie Hall will include Riley himself, as well several of the participants from the original 1964 recording.
Some editions of the score indicate that it is customary for one musician ("traditionally played by a beautiful girl," Riley notes) to play the note C in repeated, octave eighth notes on a piano. This functions as a metronome and is referred to as "The Pulse."
The piece was named for its constant pulse of C notes on the piano.
Steve Reich even participated in its first performance, possibly keeping the C “metronome” pulse on the piano?
Players are also encouraged to play the phrases starting at different times, even if they are playing the same phrase.
The phrases are supposed to be played in order, but I’m pretty sure that you could mix them up however you’d like, if you were so inclined.
Steve Reich is not a beautiful girl.
