Riley bases the ten movements of THE HARP OF NEW ALBION on the concept of
tonalities. The liner notes enclosed in both the compact disk and cassette
explain the complicated ratios Riley
devised for tuning his octaves. He says, "The idea of piano as harp
influences my method of playing, as does the tuning from which the
particular consonances and dissonances determine the emerging
energies that flow through both instrument and performer."
Although Riley improvises throughout THE HARP OF NEW ALBION, each movement
is defined by structural or composed elements. Astonishingly, the "halo" of
harmonics drifting above his solo
piano creates an orchestral sound, complete with horns, reeds, strings and
voices. At times, the melodic interplay is ethereal, the micro-tonal
relationships within the standing waves of sounds creating a
haunting spectrum.
Special note should be taken of the majestic Bösendorfer Imperial grand
piano, especially tuned for Riley to play in the acoustically-fabulous
Academy of Music in München, Germany.
$25.00