In C

OK, I admit I'm a little obsessed with this piece. This is the 6th version of it I own. Frankly, Riley's 1964 minimalist masterpiece varies so much from one version to another that it easily embraces diverse interpretations, from the early version called Mantra, to the excellent version by the Bang on a Can All-Stars, or my favorite by the Belgian new music group Ictus. (I've never been a fan of the Columbia original.) This latest manifestation by the Danish a capella group Ars Nova Copenhagen, with the Percurama Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Hillier, really makes the work feel like a 20th century masterpiece. Hillier and musicians approach this work with the devotion they might bring to a great sacred work, using a text that Riley derived from holy names, and the result is, well, nearly a religious experience. In C "works" in direct proportion to the commitment brought to it by the performers. This recording works brilliantly. You will want to own this!

I bought this mainly because I am a 'completist' for In C, but did enjoy what I heard.

Although some reviewers seemed to like this version, I did not find inspiring at all. Some compared it to Steve Reich's work. Maybe. But it resembles more his peculiar 'Tehillim' with voices than his excellent 'Music for 18 Musicians'. This weak attempt at 'In C' does not match Riley's spirit, verve and virtuosity. The original version (by Terry Riley) of 'In C' is really still the best in my humble opinion.

As with all versions of In C, this is dream like and relaxing. I will eventually listen to every version ever made. Its the only Riley song I like actually, sorry to say this about the guy. But, I love In C, for what its worth.

Wonderful ....I wonder why Meredith Monk didn't get to this first

In C is a piece that is notorious for being treated with excessive jazz flair with little respect for phrases or musicality (especially by sax players, who have been all over the map in other recordings.) This results in the piece sounding sleezy, uninspired, unmusical and far too loud! Quite simply put, this is the best performance of this piece that I own and have ever heard. I would use words like sleek, mysterious, and sexy to describe this amazing performance. The ensemble takes full advantage of dynamics and has incredible phrase development throughout. You will not be disappointed!

I don't have much to add to the other two reviews currently posted here: this is a gorgeous, must-hear version of this seminal work of minimalism. I'm writing this mainly to point out that amazon is selling the entire work as a 256kbs mp3 download for a mere 99 cents. At that price, you can't go wrong! Buy it!

Terry Riley's In C was written in 1964 and has often been called the very first minimalist composition. It could also just as easily be called the very best minimalist composition. The piece was written as a reaction to serialism, so it's an aleatoric work. The freedom provided in organizing the ensemble, in the number of repetitions - in everything except the phrases - means you'll never be satisfied just hearing one performance. This performance here, featuring the Percurama Percussion Ensemble, is one to be treasured. (Also highly recommended: Terry Riley: In C )

Wonderful - a classic.

It is perhaps surprising that it's taken this long for someone to think of tackling In C vocally. There are some challenges. Other versions I have heard use a wide range of timbres and so it is quite easy to hear the distinct sections (snippets, whatever) interacting with each other. By only using marimba and voice, the variations are less obvious. Paul Hillier has used this to his advantage, by using quite a bit of unison singing, making it sound in some ways like plainchant. And the use of syllables rather than purely sang notes adds some variety. At the same time, according to the sleeve notes, the singers have employ a number of variations on the original motifs. Both the unison singing and the variations require more arrangement than might be expected of a piece that makes a virtue of individuality. The overall effect is somewhat 'churchy' and dramatic (especially the surging voices at the start). So, while this is definitely and recognisably 'In C', it is also something new and fascinating.