Terry Riley's In C (Studies in Musical Genesis, Structure, and Interpretation)
"Offer[s] performer and listener alike an eminently readable resource to better understand the significance of this work. Professor Carl assumes the dual role of faithful scribe to its oral history and scrutinizing theorist. When his task involves historical investigation and fact-finding, he is nonpareil... a book all conscientious performers will want to turn to when looking for a manual on the work's performance practice...A fine achievement." --American Record Guide"A useful introductory volume, valuable to students and scholars for its wealth of uncomplicated analytical information and historical documentation." --Notes"In Cis a staggeringly important composition in the history of classical music and Robert Carl's writings on the piece are incredibly thorough in depth and breadth...Carl analyzes the piece through a variety of lenses and performances and discusses every major recording of the composition to date. I could not imagine a more complete exploration of this piece." --Sequenza21"IfIn Cneeded any justification beyond its joyously jangling momentum, Robert Carl has provided it with a detailed legal brief to prove forever its intelligent inner logic and connection to multiple world musical traditions. The defense rests."-Kyle Gann, author ofThe Music of Conlon NancarrowandAmerican Music in the Twentieth Century"Robert Carl was the right choice to write this book.  Through a blend of scholarly research, professional connections and composerly musings, Carl brings the genesis ofIn Cto life, while simultaneously opening the door for future manifestations of this mid-century masterpiece."--Lawrence Dillon, Composer in Residence, University of North Carolina School of the Arts"For manyIn Cistherevolutionary classical composition of the second half of the twentieth century; Robert Carl's book, which like the work perfectly balances academic discipline and popular appeal, provides an ideal companion."-Robert Morgan, Yale University"Ambitious, elegantly written... His treatise is a labor of love: the result of prodigious effort and wholehearted veneration...We should hope for this book's success and for others like it to follow." ---New Music Connoisseur"Readers of this journal will know Robert Carl as a generous and expert guide to contemporary music. Indeed, it is hard not to share his delight in discovering new aspects ofIn C...To judge by this book, he must also be a terrific teacher. Without the slightest talking down to his reader, he is clear, specific, and passionate about the important moments of this piece and how we can approach them... If you have been challenged byIn C, this book will go a long way to helping you meet that challenge." --Fanfare"Terry Riley'sIn C is a book that all musicians, music scholars, and music students should read." --Music & Letters