Terry Riley
28th November 2014
This November marked the 50th anniversary since the first performance of Terry Riley's In C and the advent of a new way of making music: Minimalism. Often cited as the first Minimalist composition, the work continues to receive numerous performances around the world every year from musicians of all standards and musical backgrounds – from classical to rock to jazz to non-Western. The newest recording, Africa Express Presents…Terry Riley’s In C Mali, features artists from Bamako alongside Africa Express stalwarts including Damon Albarn and Brian Eno.
As Terry Riley celebrates his 80th Birthday in 2015, now is a great time to explore his wide-ranging catalogue. His full list of 70 published works can be viewed here.
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Terry Riley’s In C Mali
To hear an excerpt from Africa Express Presents… In C Mali, listen here
The album, led by conductor André de Ridder, features the cream of new artists from Bamako, among them Adama Koita, Bijou, Cheick Diallo, alongside Africa Express stalwarts Damon Albarn, Brian Eno and Nick Zinner. Co-produced and mixed by Andi Toma (Mouse on Mars), the album was released via Transgressive Records on digital formats on 24th November, with a CD and limited edition vinyl following 26th January 2015.
On 4th November 2014, exactly 50 years to the day from the world premiere of ‘In C’, the composer said: -"I am overwhelmed and delighted by this CD. I was not quite prepared for such an incredible journey, hearing the soul of Africa in joyous flight over those 53 patterns of ‘In C’. This ensemble feeds the piece with ancient threads of musical wisdom and humanity indicating to me that this work is a vessel ready to receive and be shaped by the spontaneous feelings and colours of the magician/musician. I could not ask for a greater gift for this daughter’s 50th birthday."
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New Film
Earlier this month, Africa Express and Tate Modern presented a one-off performance of In C on the Bridge of the Turbine Gallery at Tate Modern, London. The event was recorded for an interactive film linking minimalist art and music, co-commissioned by The Space. Tate Modernand Africa Express. The film, Tate Modern and Africa Express present… Terry Riley’s In C Mali can be viewed at http://www.thespace.org. The film features the live performance of the work, intercut with iconic minimalist works from the Tate Collection.
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Play it on your iPad
A free app has just been launched so you can now play In C on your iPad. Download it here.
