Meaning: Terry Riley, a prominent composer, is known for his innovative approach to music, particularly in the realm of experimental and minimalist compositions. The quote you provided encapsulates Riley's inclination towards exploring sound through experimentation and his desire to incorporate live musicians into his creative process. This approach has influenced the development of minimalist music and has had a profound impact on contemporary music composition.

Riley's interest in experimentation with sound reflects his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional musical structures. By engaging in extensive experimentation, he sought to uncover new sonic possibilities and redefine the parameters of music composition. This inclination aligns with the ethos of the minimalist movement, which emphasizes simplicity and repetition as fundamental components of musical expression.

The quote also highlights Riley's decision to transition from working with electronic and recorded sound to collaborating with live musicians. This shift signifies his desire to infuse his compositions with a sense of immediacy and spontaneity that can only be achieved through live performance. By incorporating live musicians, Riley sought to harness the energy and dynamism of a live musical environment, allowing for the organic interplay between performers and the music they create.

Furthermore, Riley's intention to utilize repetition and music fragments in a live setting underscores his commitment to exploring the interplay between structure and improvisation. By employing repetitive motifs and fragmented musical elements, he aimed to create a framework within which musicians could freely interact and contribute to the formation of an "abstract fabric of sound." This approach not only invites musicians to actively engage with the music but also encourages the emergence of unique and evolving sonic textures within a live performance context.

Riley's vision of live musicians creating an "abstract fabric of sound" speaks to his aspiration to cultivate a rich and multi-dimensional sonic tapestry that transcends traditional notions of melody and harmony. By embracing abstraction, he sought to liberate music from conventional constraints and foster an environment where the boundaries between composition and improvisation blur, allowing for the emergence of novel sonic expressions.

The impact of Riley's approach to music composition extends beyond his own body of work, influencing a generation of composers and musicians who have been inspired by his innovative methods. His emphasis on experimentation, live performance, and the interplay between structure and improvisation has left a lasting imprint on the evolution of contemporary music, particularly within the realm of experimental and minimalist compositions.

In conclusion, Terry Riley's quote encapsulates his pioneering spirit as a composer, showcasing his bold exploration of sound, his embrace of live performance, and his commitment to fostering a dynamic and abstract musical landscape. His visionary approach has significantly contributed to the evolution of minimalist music and continues to inspire artists seeking to push the boundaries of musical expression.