Full Multichannel DSD Recording with music from Terry Riley

Introduction by Ragazze Quartet

The Ragazze Quartet with its classical roots, Slagwerk Den Haag with its contemporary sounds, and the unusual jazz trio Kapok… Contrasting contours, but a common denominator: none of these three ensembles belong to a specific category. All three push the boundaries of our genres in our quest for new forms and adventurous joint projects. It is through this inquisitive musicianship that the unusual combination feels so wonderfully natural.
The choice for Riley’s repertoire gave another stir to our boundary reconnoitre. For Riley’s music allows considerable space for creativity and improvisation.

The tension that arises through freedom within strict frames means that every performance is different. And it brings with it that the music has a strong sense of spontaneity and joie de vivre.

A rich pallet of timbres

In C, performed by the Ragazze Quartet and Slagwerk Den Haag, the dynamic range is enormous. Long, melodic lines as well as short, rhythmic motifs may be employed, producing an effect of both tranquil contemplation and pulsating explosiveness. Sunrise of the planetary dream collector was originally written for string quartet. But the Ragazze Quartet invited jazz trio Kapok to make a new arrangement together. The mix of string quartet and horn, electric guitar and percussion, all expanded with electronic effects, offers a rich pallet of timbres. All this goes to bring the groovy rhythm and whimsical, improvisatory character of the music further to the fore. In this way the combination of different ensembles forms the basis for our own unique version of Terry Riley’s In C and Sunrise.

A version you have probably never heard before and will not hear anywhere else.”

Making of Video

Terry Riley in multichannel DSD

I would like to tell you about a special project that is being released this week of music by Terry Riley. Ragazze Quartet collaborates with Slagwerk Den Haag: a percussion ensemble of 4 players, and Kapok: a jazz trio. Hence the title ‘Four Four Three’.

On setting up the Riley ‘In C’ for 8 players, it was clear that we should record this 40 minute work in complete multichannel, which resulted in the group playing in a circle with the microphones in the middle. This has created an amazing audio spectrum when listening in full multichannel. One is literally sitting in the middle with the audio of all speakers surrounding you.

Turn down the lights, have a sip of wine to relax you, and let the music of Terry Riley give you a complete audio experience.