Meaning: The quote provided is an intriguing insight into the creative process of Terry Riley, a prominent American composer known for his pioneering work in minimalist music. In this quote, Riley describes his use of technology to record and play back saxophone delays during a live concert performance. This technique allowed him to take breaks while maintaining the music's continuity, showcasing his innovative approach to performance and composition.

Terry Riley's career has been characterized by his willingness to experiment with new musical forms and technologies. Born in 1935, he rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the minimalist movement, a style of music that emphasizes simplicity and repetition. His most famous composition, "In C," is a seminal work in minimalism and has had a lasting impact on the world of contemporary classical music.

Riley's use of saxophone delays in a live setting demonstrates his embrace of technology as a tool for expanding the possibilities of musical performance. By recording and playing back the saxophone delays, he was able to create layers of sound and rhythm, enriching the sonic landscape of his compositions. This approach not only showcased his technical prowess but also pushed the boundaries of what was traditionally expected in a live concert setting.

The concept of using technology to manipulate and enhance live music is not uncommon in contemporary music. In fact, it aligns with the broader trend of integrating electronic elements into live performances, blurring the lines between traditional instrumentation and digital manipulation. Riley's use of saxophone delays can be seen as a precursor to this trend, demonstrating an early example of how technology can be harnessed to expand the possibilities of live musical expression.

Furthermore, the quote sheds light on Riley's approach to improvisation and spontaneity within his compositions. By recording the saxophone delays throughout the evening, he created a reservoir of musical material that could be utilized at any moment. This approach allowed him to take breaks during the performance without interrupting the flow of the music, showcasing his ability to seamlessly integrate pre-recorded elements with live improvisation.

Riley's innovative use of saxophone delays also highlights his interest in the concept of time and duration within music. The extended duration of the saxophone delays, lasting several hours into the concert, speaks to his fascination with the manipulation of time as a compositional element. This reflects a key characteristic of minimalist music, which often explores the interplay of time, repetition, and gradual transformation within musical structures.

In conclusion, Terry Riley's quote provides a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and his willingness to embrace technology as a means of expanding the possibilities of live musical performance. His use of saxophone delays during a concert exemplifies his innovative approach to composition, improvisation, and the manipulation of time within music. By seamlessly integrating pre-recorded elements with live performance, Riley demonstrated a forward-thinking mindset that continues to influence contemporary music to this day.