Terry Riley

Sun., March 30, 2:30 p.m.; Mon., March 31, 7:30 p.m., $36-$81, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-545-5451, chamberorchestra.org.

by Peter Burwasser

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Published: Mar 26, 2008

classical

The big changes that have evolved in the new-music world in the past generation have occurred along a number of paths, some intersecting, others turning along a solitary trek. A fascinating example from any number of views: While the East Coast musical establishment struggled, often bitterly, to throw off the yoke of serialism, a gleeful band of West Coast imps found their own way, aided by a heavy dose of Asian culture. The first wave included folks like John Cage, Lou Harrison and Harry Partch, all now gone, and one sturdy survivor, Terry Riley. Riley got on the map with his quasi-improvisational In C, a landmark in the minimalist movement, not to mention late-'60s prog rock. The 72-year-old wizard lands in Philly this week with a new work, a triple concerto for two guitars and violin, to be premièred by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. The work is written out, lacking the jazzy spontaneity of his early music, but this concert will include a special treat — Riley himself will take the stage to spin out some on-the-spot musings at the piano. Maestro Solzhenitsyn will pair Riley's music with two lovely Ravel pieces, Pavane pour une infante défunte and Le Tombeau de Couperin.

Sun., March 30, 2:30 p.m.; Mon., March 31, 7:30 p.m., $36-$81, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-545-5451, chamberorchestra.org.

 

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