Meaning: The quote provided is from Terry Riley, a renowned American composer who is often associated with the minimalist music movement. In this quote, Riley reflects on his experience with organizing all-night concerts in the 1960s and describes using a harmonium and saxophone taped delays as part of his musical performances during that time.

During the 1960s, the music scene in the United States was undergoing significant changes, with the emergence of experimental and avant-garde music movements. Terry Riley was at the forefront of this musical experimentation, exploring new sounds and performance formats. One of the notable aspects of his work during this period was his involvement in organizing and participating in all-night concerts, which were a unique and innovative approach to presenting music to audiences.

Riley's mention of using a harmonium and saxophone taped delays sheds light on the experimental and pioneering nature of his musical compositions and performances. The harmonium is a type of reed organ that produces sound through air being blown through reeds by moving bellows. It has a distinctive and often haunting sound, and its use in the context of an all-night concert would have added an ethereal and immersive quality to the music.

Saxophone taped delays refer to the technique of using tape delays to manipulate and layer saxophone sounds. This approach allowed Riley to create intricate and evolving textures in his music, adding depth and complexity to his performances. Tape delay involves recording a sound onto magnetic tape and then playing it back after a short interval, creating a delayed and layered effect. In the context of an all-night concert, this technique would have contributed to the hypnotic and mesmerizing atmosphere that Riley sought to create for his audiences.

Riley's pioneering use of these unconventional instruments and techniques reflects his adventurous spirit as a composer and performer. He was not content with traditional musical boundaries and sought to push the limits of what was possible within the realm of sound and performance. This spirit of exploration and innovation is a defining characteristic of the 1960s experimental music scene, where artists were constantly seeking new ways to challenge and expand the conventions of music.

The all-night concerts organized by Riley and his contemporaries were more than just musical events; they were immersive experiences that blurred the lines between performer and audience, time and space. By presenting music in a continuous, uninterrupted format throughout the night, these concerts offered a departure from the typical concert experience and encouraged a deeper level of engagement and contemplation from the audience.

In conclusion, Terry Riley's quote about the all-night concerts and his use of the harmonium and saxophone taped delays provides valuable insight into the experimental and avant-garde music scene of the 1960s. His innovative approach to music, combined with his willingness to embrace unconventional instruments and techniques, contributed to the evolution of contemporary music and continues to inspire musicians and audiences to this day.