In a deeply moving tribute on his 90th birthday, minimalist titan Terry Riley has gifted the world an ethereal new Raga, “Komal Reshab Asavari”, featuring Sara Miyamoto. Released today, June 24, 2025, and presented by Red Hot Organization and the Kronos Quartet, this 11-minute composition is more than just a musical offering; it’s a poignant meditation on existence itself.
“Komal Reshab Asavari” sees Riley delving into the profound teachings of his longtime guru, classical Indian singer Pandit Pran Nath. The piece features Riley’s vocal and tamboura contributions, alongside additional vocals and tamboura by his student, Sara Miyamoto, all performed on an instrument once gifted to Riley by Nath. As Riley himself shares, the Raga’s essence, according to Pran Nath, is that “nothing will remain.” This core philosophy permeates the composition, which, despite its moments of intensity, maintains an optimistic glow, hinting at a realm beyond our earthly attachments.
This powerful Raga serves as the B-side to an upcoming Kronos Quartet release, launching on July 16. This broader project features acclaimed artists speaking out against nuclear war, coinciding with the Quartet’s performance at the University of Chicago. This event marks the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test and the dawn of the nuclear age, bringing together international laureates and nuclear experts to discuss and propose solutions for preventing nuclear conflict.
As Kronos Quartet leader David Harrington eloquently puts it, Riley’s almost 90-year-old voice, responding instinctively to our shared world, is “how rare, how precious this is!” “Komal Reshab Asavari” is not only a celebration of Riley’s enduring legacy but also a timely artistic response to the existential challenges humanity faces.
KRONOS QUARTET LIVE DATES
6/25 – Yokohama, Japan @ Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall (presented by Terry Riley)
6/28 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo University of the Arts
7/12 – Sãu Paulo, Brazil @ Sala São Paulo
7/13 – Sãu Paulo, Brazil @ Sala São Paulo
7/16 – Chicago, IL @ University of Chicago
(Nobel Laureate Assembly for the Prevention of Nuclear War)
Photo credit: Lenny Gonzalez