Wie große weiße Schmetterlinge kreisen die Derwische um das (innere) Licht. Rileys Bewegungen auf der präparierten Yamaha -Orgel sind schwindelerregend schnell und doch fließt alles wie in Zeitlupe. Die Zeit, der Moment dehnt sich. Ein Klassiker der Minimalmusic. Klanglich vielschichtig die drei Kompositionen auf CD 2: Embroidery, Eastern Man und Chorale of the Blessed Day. Zum filigranen Stimmengewebe singt Riley in einem dem indischen Dhrupad abgelauschten Schlangenlinienstil Spontanbotschaften (amerikanisch). Abgefahren!

the project

With their rhapsodic, Eastern-inspired melodies, spiraling rhythms and mesmerizing repetitions, Descending Monnshine Dervishes and Songs for the Ten Voices of the Two Prophets deftly illustrate just why an entire generation of musicians has looked to Terry Riley for inspiration. Hailed as the godfather of minimalism, Riley spent his early years exploring the possibilities of electronic keyboards through enigmatic, multifarious improvisations.

Two classic albums documenting this significant chapter in his development are available in the Celestial Harmonies duobox. This innovative packaging format for double compact disks, places two CDs into a standard, single disk-sized jewel box by means of a modified inner compartment.

Recorded in concert in 1975, Descending Monnshine Dervishes pulses with intricate, shifting layers of polyphonic sound. The fifty-two minute composition in two parts was performed live without the aid of pre-recorded tracks. Instead, Riley used a modified Yamaha YC 45D organ to create swirling, mind-altering improvisations seething with otherworldly tone colors. Also captured in concert, Songs for the Ten Voices of the Two Prophets features original lyrics sung to the accompaniment of two Prophet 5 synthesizers. One of the rare recordings documenting Riley's deep gravelly singing style, it combines the insights of East and West into a dynamic statement of the composer's own spiritual search through music.

the artist

American composer Terry Riley is best known as one of the founders of minimalism. His first successful composition, In C (13026-2), had a significant effect on artists like Philip Glass and Steve Reich who went on to popularize the minimalistic techniques Riley introduced in his work.

In the 70s and early 80s, Riley gained attention for his solo concerts in which he performed extended improvisations for keyboard and voice. During this time, he was heavily influenced by classical Indian music, which he studied in-depth under the tutelage of the legendary vocalist Pandit Pran Nath. In recent years, Riley has fulfilled commissions for internationally recognized symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. His work for string quartet, Salome Dances For Peace, performed by the Kronos Quartet has received accolades worldwide.

biography

discography

tracklist