The Cusp of Magic

Terry Riley, a pioneering figure in the minimalist movement, teams up with the renowned Kronos Quartet for "The Cusp of Magic," a captivating six-movement piece commissioned to celebrate Riley's 70th birthday. Released on February 1, 2008, via Nonesuch Records, this album is a testament to Riley's enduring influence and innovation in experimental and ambient music.

"The Cusp of Magic" spans a concise yet impactful 42 minutes, divided into six distinct sections: "The Cusp of Magic," "Buddha's Bedroom," "The Nursery," "Royal Wedding," "Emily and Alice," and "Prayer Circle." Each track offers a unique sonic landscape, blending Riley's signature minimalist style with the quartet's virtuosic performance. The album's genres, ranging from minimalism and avant-garde to experimental and drone, reflect the diverse and rich musical heritage of both Riley and the Kronos Quartet.

The collaboration between Terry Riley and the Kronos Quartet is a longstanding one, known for producing some of their finest work. "The Cusp of Magic" is no exception, showcasing the duo's ability to push musical boundaries and create deeply engaging compositions. The album's looser and less austere approach compared to Riley's earlier minimalist works offers a fresh perspective, making it a standout addition to any music collection.

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.