Glenn Branca

"The Ascension" is a composition for electric guitars and percussion by American composer Glenn Branca. It was composed in 1981 and premiered at The Kitchen in New York City that same year. The piece is notable for its use of alternate guitar tunings and its length, which can exceed two hours in performance.

The composition consists of four movements, each of which is characterized by a different instrumental setup and musical style. The first movement, "Lesson No. 1", features a large ensemble of electric guitars playing in unison, using a tuning of C-G-C-G-C-E. The second movement, "Lesson No. 2", features a smaller ensemble of electric guitars playing in a lower tuning of G-C-G-C-G-C. The third movement, "Lesson No. 3", is a solo piece for electric guitar, played in a tuning of C-G-C-F-C-G. The fourth movement, "Lesson No. 4", is a percussion-based movement featuring a variety of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and gongs.

"The Ascension" is known for its intense, immersive sound, which has been described as "mesmerizing" and "hypnotic". It is often performed in large, reverberant spaces, such as warehouses or churches, in order to fully exploit the potential of the electric guitar ensemble. The piece has been influential on the development of noise and experimental rock music, and has been cited as an inspiration by a number of contemporary musicians.

Glenn Branca has described "The Ascension" as a "guitar symphony" and it has been compared to the work of classical composers such as Anton Bruckner and Igor Stravinsky. However, Branca's use of unconventional tunings and extended techniques, as well as the piece's emphasis on volume and physicality, set it apart from traditional symphonic music. "The Ascension" has been performed by a number of ensembles, including Branca's own group, the Glenn Branca Ensemble, and has been recorded on several occasions. It remains one of Branca's most well-known and influential works.