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Terry Riley: The Cusp of Magic | 
| Artist: Kronos Quartet
Creator: Wu Man
Label: Nonesuch
Category: Music
List Price: $16.98
Buy New: $10.48
You Save: $6.50 (38%)
New (45) Used (10) from $8.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 24776
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 360508
UPC: 075597995985
EAN: 0075597995985
ASIN: B0010X5WVS
Release Date: February 5, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: k-brand new and factory sealed. line through barcode.
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| Tracks:
| • | The Cusp of Magic | | • | Buddha's Bedroom | | • | The Nursery | | • | Royal Wedding | | • | Emily and Alice | | • | Prayer Circle |
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| Customer Reviews:
 Atmospheric and hypnotic. March 3, 2008
25 out of 30 found this review helpful
"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.
 Gentle Serious Fun February 16, 2008
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
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.
Bliss from Terry Riley, Kronos and Wu Man February 5, 2008
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
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
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