Terry Riley – A Rainbow In Curved Air – 180 Gram Vinyl, LP, City Hall Records, 2021
“A Rainbow in Curved Air” by Terry Riley, released in 1969, is a landmark composition that epitomizes the minimalist movement in music. The piece, lasting about 18 minutes, features Riley himself playing all the instruments through overdubbing, including electric organ, electric harpsichord, and various percussion instruments. Utilizing innovative tape delay techniques, Riley creates intricate patterns and textures, resulting in a hypnotic and trance-like soundscape that unfolds through repetitive motifs and gradual transformations.
The influence of “A Rainbow in Curved Air” extends far beyond the realm of minimalist classical music, impacting popular music and electronic music profoundly. It has inspired artists like Pete Townshend of The Who and contributed to the development of progressive rock and ambient music. Riley’s innovative use of tape loops and delay systems, along with the piece’s improvisational feel, broke new ground in how music could be composed and experienced, blending careful composition with free-form performance.
Critically acclaimed and highly regarded in the minimalist canon, “A Rainbow in Curved Air” has also found its way into various films and television shows, further solidifying its status as an iconic piece of modern music. Alongside contemporaries such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass, Riley’s work helped redefine classical music in the late 20th century. The composition remains a testament to Terry Riley’s pioneering spirit and continues to inspire musicians and composers across multiple genres, illustrating the enduring impact of his creative vision.
