Terry Riley - Two Early Works - Terry Riley

"Terry Riley - Two Early Works" is a captivating collection of Terry Riley's pioneering compositions, showcasing his innovative approach to minimalism and experimental music. Released on Elision Fields in 2010, this album features two seminal works: the "String Quartet (1960)" and the "String Trio (1961)." These pieces, performed by the Calder Quartet, offer a mesmerizing exploration of sound and repetition, characteristic of Riley's groundbreaking style.

With a total runtime of just 30 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound journey through the early creative mind of Terry Riley, a composer who has left an indelible mark on the world of minimalist and avant-garde music. The "String Quartet (1960)" and "String Trio (1961)" are not just compositions but are representative of a movement that continues to resonate and inspire decades after their creation. The album is a testament to Riley's experiments with tape loops and repetition, which culminated in his masterpiece, "In C."

"Terry Riley - Two Early Works" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of minimalist music and the experimental sounds that have shaped contemporary classical and ambient genres. The album's unique blend of drone and ambient elements makes it a standout piece in Riley's discography, offering a glimpse into the creative process of one of the most influential composers of our time.

Terry Riley, born in 1935, is a pioneering American composer renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the minimalist music genre. His innovative approach, blending influences from jazz and Indian classical music, has left an indelible mark on experimental, rock, and electronic music. Riley's most celebrated works, the 1964 composition "In C" and the 1969 album "A Rainbow in Curved Air," are seminal pieces that have defined minimalism and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Throughout his career, Riley has collaborated with diverse artists, including the Kronos Quartet and Pandit Pran Nath, and his explorations into just intonation and improvisation have expanded the boundaries of contemporary music. From his early experiments with La Monte Young and Fluxus to his ongoing collaborations, Terry Riley's music offers a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of musical repetition and innovation.