Radiolab – “In C” (December 15, 2009)

Episode Overview

This episode of Radiolab, hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, dives into the avant-garde world of Terry Riley's In C—a 1964 minimalist composition that revolutionized modern classical music. The show explores how In C influenced generations of composers, investigates its process and improvisatory structure, and spotlights a contemporary “remix” project featuring contributions from the hosts and notable musicians. Woven through the episode are playful discussions, personal stories, and a demonstration of the merging of music, experimentation, and family life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Revisiting the 'Numbers' Theme and Introducing 'In C'

• The episode begins with a callback to Radiolab’s previous “Numbers Show,” playing a tape of young Mina (Lulu Miller’s child) learning how to count. This audio sets a thematic bridge to tonight's main focus: music built on simple motifs and repetition (05:39 – 06:22).
• Jad Abumrad: “What I’m going to do is take that tape and play it for you in a completely new context, a non-Radiolab context.” (06:26)

2. History and Significance of Terry Riley’s In C

• Jad introduces In C, explaining its pivotal role in rescuing classical music from growing overly dissonant and inaccessible, and laying the groundwork for minimalism in modern music (06:44 – 07:56).
• Jad Abumrad: “It was like a watershed moment ... in C inspired Philip Glass and Steve Reich and scores of movie music ... that whole explosion of minimalism.” (08:02)
• The hosts note In C’s surprisingly wide-reaching legacy, touching everything from classical composition to techno and movie scores.

3. The Contemporary Remix Project

• Jad discusses his participation in a remix album by the Grand Valley State New Music Ensemble, who invited 16 to 18 artists to reinterpret In C (08:38).
• Personal story: Jad was approached for this project during his paternity leave, leading to a unique fusion of fatherhood and music in his contribution (08:59 – 09:11).

4. Remix #1: Michael Lowenstern

• Jad spotlights Michael Lowenstern, clarinetist and composer, and his remix of In C.
  • Michael explores the role of randomness within the structured framework of remixes, especially in the drum parts.
  • Michael Lowenstern: “The whole thing about In C is that it's really, it's about randomness ... And so the things that are most usually structured about any remix, especially a dance mix, is going to be the drums ... Well, that was the one thing that I threw to a random generator.” (09:49 – 10:20)
  • He details his process of algorithmically shuffling and chopping up the drum tracks for a fresh, dynamic take (10:27 – 10:38).

5. Remix #2: Zoë Keating – “Zinc”

• Jad introduces Zoë Keating, a cellist familiar to Radiolab listeners, who dubs her remix "Zinc" (11:59 – 12:09).
  • Zoë shares vulnerability about handling such an iconic piece.
  • Zoë Keating: “When I got the call to do it, I was sort of, like, both intrigued and scared. Because In C is such a well-known piece.” (11:59 – 12:09)
  • She discusses the symbolism of the key of C as “childlike optimism” and likens the experience to a rushing waterfall (12:22 – 13:04).
  • Zoë Keating: “I think of C and C major as being sort of childlike ... that beautiful California blue ... that is a C major sky.” (12:34 – 12:39)

6. Remix #3: Jad’s “Counting in C”

• With self-deprecation, Jad unveils his own remix, “Counting in C,” blending Mina’s counting tape, the repetitive musical patterns of In C, and playful sounds from around his home.
  • Jad Abumrad: “I thought, I’m gonna remix this piece as kind of a children’s song.” (16:22 – 16:33)
  • The track features voices of both Mina and Jad’s own son, Emile, combining personal storytelling with musical homage (16:44 – 16:49).
  • The remix is played in full (16:52 – ~20:53).

7. Reflections and Playful Banter After the Mixes

• Jad and Robert reflect humorously on the result, with Robert joking that listeners shouldn’t encourage Jad’s musical pursuits too much for fear of losing him to a new career (22:52 – 23:31).
  • Robert Krulwich: “Don’t write the man because I don’t want him to think about other career options because I could hear nasal stuff, Brooklyn playground stuff. Mina, I heard the drawers of your desk. It got every little thing.” (23:02 – 23:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jad Abumrad (on the genesis of In C):
  “People were writing all kinds of, like, really dissonant stuff. And it was interesting for a while, but then it became a little dull. Little hurtful, actually. People were losing interest. But then along comes our man Terry Riley, who writes this piece, In C. Very joyous.” (07:17 – 07:39)
• Zoë Keating (on the emotional space of C major):
  “When I think of, like, the key of C, I think of this sort of childlike optimism ... Like, I'm looking out the window right now, and the sky is that beautiful California blue. And that is a C major sky.” (12:34 – 12:39)
• Michael Lowenstern (on structure vs. randomness):
  “All of the drums are chopped up, and then it'll start shuffling.” (10:38)
• Jad Abumrad (parental pride and artistic vulnerability):
  “It’s true. I was kind of shameless. It’s true. But, okay, no more music for a while.” (23:26 – 23:31)

Important Timestamps

• 05:39 – 06:22: Introduction of Mina’s counting tape and the connection to musical structure.
• 06:44 – 07:56: Background and cultural significance of Terry Riley's In C.
• 09:31 – 10:38: Michael Lowenstern describes his remix process and the role of randomness.
• 11:59 – 13:04: Zoë Keating discusses her approach, emotional associations with the key of C, and the childlike optimism it represents.
• 15:26 – 16:33: Jad sets up his remix, explaining how fatherhood and music blended.
• 16:52 – ~20:53: Full play-through of Jad’s “Counting in C.”
• 22:52 – 23:31: Robert’s playful warning not to encourage Jad’s music career shift.

Tone and Style

• The episode maintains Radiolab’s signature blend of curiosity, playful banter, and hands-on demonstration.
• Hosts are candid, self-aware, and often humorous—even gently self-deprecating.
• There’s an undercurrent of wonder and warmth, especially as personal stories mingle with musical and cultural history.

Summary

“In C” is a celebration of musical experimentation, heritage, and the joy of combining art with life’s everyday wonders. Through conversations and remixes, Radiolab brings minimalist music’s legacy to life and personalizes it for a new audience, demonstrating that curiosity and creativity are deeply intertwined—whether in avant-garde composition, home life, or the magic of counting to three.