A Classic from 1968

1968 – Terry Riley In C

"Bang on a Can" Hits It Out of the Park

By: AARP Radio | Source: AARP.org | April 7, 2009

The volume of classical music may have been muted by 1968. But in that year, one work had an influence on nearly every aspect of classical and popular music to come for the next 40 years.

Terry Riley's "In C" premiered in 1964. It was the work that introduced the musical style now known as "minimalism" to a mainstream audience. The first commercial recording of this piece was released in 1968.

Full of short, repeating musical phrases, insistent rhythms, and high energy, "In C" is a work that can be endlessly colorful. It is an "open score," meaning that it can be played by any combination of instruments.  

Over the decades, the piece has been played by percussion ensembles, guitar groups, a Chinese traditional orchestra, and a microtonal band, among hundreds of others.  

"In C" had a deep and lasting impact on contemporary classical composers Steve Reich and John Adams; but it also affected the rock world, influencing artists such as John Cale, Brian Eno, and The Who.

Through the generosity of the New York new music outfit Bang on a Can, we're able to stream a complete performance of this classic. It features an explosive combination of instruments from around the globe, propelling the transcendent 60's masterwork into the future.

Here's more information about this recording, with links to more recordings, and news about the annual "Bang on a Can" Festival.

Listen to the performance of "In C" by Bang on a Can with our audio player at left. (44 minutes)

• Back to 'Music of 1968'—Home
• Janis Joplin, Sam Andrew, and Big Brother and the Holding Company
• Sam Andrew: Then and Now
• Louis Armstrong, 'What a Wonderful World'
• Laura Nyro—'Stoned Soul Picnic'—and Judy Kuhn