Composer

:

Terry Riley

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

ca. 1997

Average_duration

:

11:15

Fandango on the Heaven Ladder is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Terry Riley. It was composed in 1984 and premiered on October 26, 1985, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, titled "Fandango," is a lively and rhythmic piece that features a repetitive melody played on the piano. The melody is accompanied by a variety of percussion instruments, including maracas, tambourines, and bongos. The movement has a Spanish flavor and is reminiscent of a traditional fandango dance. The second movement, titled "On the Heaven Ladder," is a slower and more contemplative piece. It features a haunting melody played on the violin, accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment. The movement has a dreamlike quality and is meant to evoke a sense of ascension or transcendence. The final movement, titled "Tango Doble Ladiado," is a lively and energetic piece that combines elements of tango and jazz. The movement features a syncopated rhythm and a complex melody played on the piano. The violin and percussion instruments also play prominent roles in the movement. Overall, Fandango on the Heaven Ladder is characterized by its use of repetitive melodies, rhythmic complexity, and eclectic mix of musical styles. The piece is a prime example of Terry Riley's unique style, which blends elements of classical, jazz, and world music to create a truly original sound.

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