Performance of "In C" by Terry Riley

November 8th, 2024 7-10pm Reeb Unitarian Church, Madison

When Terry Riley composed 'In C' in 1964, most composers were creating increasingly complex, atonal music accessible to smaller and smaller audiences. Riley turned the 'serious' music world upside down by creating a simple tonal piece that could be appreciated and played by those without advanced musical training. By doing so, Riley became a pioneer in what became known as 'minimalist' music. This year marks the 60th anniversary of this landmark work.

We are looking for a wide variety of musicians and vocalists including those who play non-traditional and non-western instruments to help us perform "In C" for this 60th anniversary. You need not play at an advanced level to particpate in the performance. There are strategies to accomodate those who may have difficulty playing every musical cell at full speed. First, it would always be possible to skip a cell that is too challenging for your instrument or skill level (as long as you stay within 3 cells of any other player). Second, a challenging cell may be simplified. For example, a sixteenth note passage could be played with eighth notes by skipping every other note or an eighth note passage could be played with quarter notes in a similar fashion.

Please review the piece from the scores listed below. Each score includes the 53 cells of music and playing instructions. There are transcriptions for those who play B flat, E flat and F instruments. We plan to use a tempo of one quarter note = 96 bpm. >

The performance will take place the evening of November 8th at Reeb Unitarian Church (2146 E Johnson St, Madison, WI). There will be a rehearsal starting at 7pm and the performance will begin at 8:30pm

"In C" by Terry Riley scores:

C instruments | B flat instruments | F instruments | E flat instruments