Terry Riley's "Requiem for Adam" is a deeply personal and evocative album, released on September 4, 2001, under the Nonesuch label. This captivating work is a tribute composed by Terry Riley himself, featuring two distinct pieces: the three-part "Requiem for Adam," performed by the renowned Kronos Quartet, and "The Philosopher's Hand." The album spans a duration of 47 minutes, blending genres such as minimalism, avant-garde, experimental, drone, and ambient music.
Recorded at the prestigious Skywalker Sound in Nicasio, California, between August 14-17, 2000, the album showcases Riley's mastery in creating intricate and hauntingly beautiful compositions. The "Requiem for Adam" is divided into three parts: "Ascending the Heaven Ladder," "Cortejo Funebre en el Monte Diablo," and the titular "Requiem for Adam." Each part offers a unique exploration of sound and emotion, highlighting the collaborative brilliance of Terry Riley and the Kronos Quartet.
The album comes with an English-only booklet, providing additional context and insights into the music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Terry Riley or a newcomer to his work, "Requiem for Adam" offers a profound and immersive listening experience that showcases the depth and innovation of Riley's compositional style.