Terry Riley: The Cusp of Magic

Kronos Quartet (Artist, Performer), Wu Man (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kronos Quartet, Wu Man
• Audio CD (February 5, 2008)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B0010X5WVS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,581 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Cusp of Magic, continues the San Francisco-based Kronos' extraordinary, career-length collaboration/dialogue with composer Terry Riley, the progenitor of the minimalist movement. Northern California native Riley first met the Kronos founder, violinist David Harrington, in 1978, when the composer was teaching at Mills College in Oakland and Harrington was a student; since then, Riley has written many string quartets for Kronos and they have performed and recorded such major works as Salome Dances for Peace (1989) and Sun Rings (2002), commissioned by NASA. The Cusp of Magic commemorates Riley's 70th birthday and it was written for Kronos Quartet and Wu Man, the most internationally renowned player of the pipa, or Chinese lute. The piece received its world premiere on May 1, 2005 at Zellerbach Hall on The University of California's Berkeley campus, and it has since become a popular addition to the quartet's live repertoire. Six tracks. Nonesuch. 2008.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bliss from Terry Riley, Kronos and Wu Man, February 5, 2008

By 

A. Hogan (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Terry Riley: The Cusp of Magic (Audio CD)

Almost all comparisons, said the man, are odious. Comparing this piece to Requiem for Adam or Salome Dances or Cadenza on the night plain[to name a few Riley/Kronos partnerships] is purely academic. This piece stands on its own, and is simply beautiful. The pipa master Wu Man[the pipa is a lute like instrument I was told] adds her distinctive sound and vocals . The 6 movements form a circle of sorts,beginning with the title piece, bringing with it the dispaate elements that Mr. riley has accrued thoughout his magnificent musical journey. Elements of raga, Chinese, native american and blues work their way throughout, adding layers not dissonance.When we finally end in prayer circle, we have indeed come aways.As always,The kronos quartet are impeccable,Ms. Man 's tender voice and gentle pipa are added dimensions to a marvelous work. this is a work ,soaring spiritual beauty. I cannot recommend it higher! I am grateful for Terry Riley and the kronos quartet , and now to wu Man

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle Serious Fun, February 15, 2008

By 

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel "World Music Explorer" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Terry Riley: The Cusp of Magic (Audio CD)

Having been in the audience (which included Terry Riley himself) of a performance of this work, I waited in anticipation for the release of the CD. And I am not disappointed. It is wonderful in every possible way, although it, of course, cannot provide the visual delight of David Harrington playing the variety of musical toy instruments from around the world, including a small toy fiddle. A further joy is Wu Man, brilliant artist of the pipa, who does magic in her own right; moreover, her sweet voice singing her lullaby was a pleasant surprise. The various subsets of composition, a magical journey of phrases and idioms, hints of many lands, closes the work seen as a peyote prayer circle taking us from the dark, reflective nocturnes of children to a rhythmic and bright dawn. Riley the experimenter, the magician, the musical guru takes us through the rite. And we are better for it.

21 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric and hypnotic., March 3, 2008

By 

bollywood (Leeds, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terry Riley: The Cusp of Magic (Audio CD)

"This project by pipa player Wu Man and the untiringly eclectic string quartet Kronos continues a collaboration that began more than a decade ago, when they recorded Ghost Opera.."(The Guardian).
Once again the Kronos, the hippest string quartet on the planet, has teamed up with its favourite composer, Terry Riley, the man who brought '60s hippieness into classical music. The original minimalists are now old men.
Riley, turned 70 in 2005 and to mark the occasion the Kronos Quartet commissioned a new work from him.
In this six-movement "mid-summer rite", there's a prominent solo role for the jangling Chinese lute, or pipa, played by the wonderful Wu Man - who also sings Chinese lullabies - against the astringent, urgent ensemble sound that Kronos applies to everything from Africa to India.
Alongside Wu Man we hear Riley's beloved Indian melodies, a Russian cartoon bear's song, and a Cuban dance, not to mention the odd snatch of Tchaikovsky.
"Extra drums, synths and vocals appear from time to time, and the somewhat creepy fifth movement, Emily and Alice, incorporates musical toys.
Yet it is the straightforward partnership of pipa and string quartet that is most arresting and satisfying" (The Guardian).
The inspiration for the work came from the toy collection of Kronos violinist David Harrington's granddaughter, the assorted sounds of which Riley integrated into the work (played by the quartet) along with the quirky addition of Chinese vocalist and pipa player Wu Man.
There's a lot of fun in this music, a mood that lends itself readily to the minimalist style. But there is nostalgia, too, which shines through poignantly.
Riley has a subtle musical mind, and what emerges is surprisingly delicate and witty, with a genuine power to move.
The Cusp of Magic's easeful hypnotic flow is laced with a playfulness and Orientalism that are both refreshing and reflective.