In C continues to receive numerous performances every year, by professionals, students, and amateurs. It has had repeated recordings since its 1968 LP premiere, and most are still in print. It welcomes performers from a vast range of practices and traditions, from classical to rock to jazz to non-Western. Recordings range from the Chinese Film Orchestra of Shanghai—on traditional Chinese instruments—to the Hungarian “European Music Project” group, joined by two electronica DJs manipulating The Pulse. It rouses audiences to states of ecstasy and near hysteria, all the while projecting an inner serenity that suggests Cage’s definition of music’s purpose—”to sober and quiet the mind, thus making it susceptible to divine influences.” In short, it’s not going away.
[Robert Carl]
An interesting analysis/commentary about Terry Riley’s seminal composition by Robert Carl.
The original recording by Terry Riley dated 1964
Here is the execution by the Shanghai Film Orchestra
A funky peformance by Band On A Can group from NYC
2015-02-10 Tate Modern and Africa Express
Boiler Room Amsterdam Live Performance
2022-10-20 The Young Gods present Play Terry Riley In C Documentary & Live from Les Forces Motrices, Geneva