Meaning: Terry Riley, an influential American composer and musician, made this statement reflecting on the impact of his composition "In C." This piece, written in 1964, marked a significant departure from traditional Western classical music and played a pivotal role in the development of a new musical genre known as minimalism.

"In C" is often considered a groundbreaking work due to its innovative structure and the way it challenged conventional notions of composition. The piece is characterized by a series of 53 short musical phrases, which are to be repeated and performed simultaneously by a group of musicians. This repetitive and open-ended structure allows for a high degree of flexibility and improvisation, giving performers the freedom to determine the duration and order of the patterns as they progress through the piece.

Riley's use of repetitive patterns and the non-hierarchical nature of the composition represented a departure from the strict formalism of traditional Western classical music. This departure was a key characteristic of the minimalist movement, which sought to strip away the complexities and ornamentation of traditional music, focusing instead on simple and repetitive elements.

The title "In C" itself is significant, as it reflects the openness and inclusivity of the composition. The use of the note "C" as a starting point, combined with the open-ended structure, invites a wide range of interpretations and performances. This inclusivity and accessibility were central to the minimalist philosophy, which aimed to create music that was both intellectually stimulating and accessible to a broad audience.

The impact of "In C" reverberated throughout the musical world, influencing a wide range of composers and musicians across different genres. Its influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and John Adams, who all contributed to the development of minimalism as a distinct musical genre.

Riley's statement about the prominence of his music around the time of "In C" underscores the significance of this composition in his career and in the broader context of 20th-century music. Its innovative approach to structure and its departure from traditional compositional norms marked a turning point in the evolution of contemporary music.

In addition to its influence on the minimalist movement, "In C" also had a profound impact on the development of electronic music and experimental music. Its emphasis on repetition, improvisation, and non-hierarchical structure provided a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation in these burgeoning musical realms.

Riley's description of "In C" as "The Global Villages for Symphonic Pieces" reflects the expansive and inclusive nature of the composition. The reference to "global villages" suggests a sense of interconnectedness and community, mirroring the way in which the piece encourages collaboration and collective interpretation.

Overall, Terry Riley's "In C" stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative musical ideas. Its departure from traditional forms and its embrace of repetition and inclusivity have left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music, inspiring generations of composers and musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of musical expression.