Reich: Music for 18 Musicians (Remastered) Steve Reich

• Steve Reich (b. 1936):
• 1 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Pulse 04:02
• 2 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section I 04:04
• 3 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section II 04:01
• 4 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section IIIA 03:57
• 5 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section IIIB 04:02
• 6 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section IV 05:49
• 7 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section V 05:29
• 8 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section VI 04:29
• 9 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section VII 03:35
• 10 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section VIII 03:17
• 11 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section IX 04:13
• 12 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section X 01:32
• 13 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Section XI 04:16
• 14 Reich: Music for 18 Musicians: Pulse (Reprise) 03:40
• Total Runtime 56:26

Info for Reich: Music for 18 Musicians (Remastered)

This Grammy-winning new recording features several players who've been with Reich's ensemble since the landmark Music for 18 Musicians debuted in the mid-'70s. Says the New York Times: ""It would be hard to think of any American music more important than this.""

The American composer Steve Reich is considered one of the pioneers of minimalism. Composed between 1974 and 1976, *Music for 18 Musicians* ranks among the key works in his oeuvre. It is a microcosm of rhythmic sounds and repetitive patterns that explores the phenomena of repetition and transformation; its continuously swelling and subsiding gestures create a captivating pull—inviting the audience to either immerse themselves in the experience or meticulously decipher its technical construction. Eleven sections are underpinned by distinct chords, from which the material for the instrumentalists and four female vocalists is derived. Comparable in scope to a chamber symphony, *Music for 18 Musicians* manages without a conductor—a performance practice inspired by both West African music and Indonesian gamelan drummers. The 1976 premiere in New York, performed by his own ensemble "Steve Reich and Musicians," brought him to the attention of a wider audience. It was not until twenty years later that the composition made its way to Europe—specifically to Frankfurt am Main—where Ensemble Modern prepared the work for performance. This undertaking would not have been possible without close collaboration with the composer, as Reich had not written out a full score for his musicians, and the instrumental parts existed only in a form of private shorthand. A full score and written-out parts were subsequently created, marking the beginning of an enduring artistic relationship between Steve Reich and Ensemble Modern, as well as numerous joint concerts around the world.

"In the end, one is richer for the listening experience—one that even earns a standing ovation from the audience at the Bockenheimer Depot. And one that has opened and sensitized the ears—and touched something deep within." (Main-Echo Aschaffenburg, Bettina Kneller)

Steve Reich Ensemble:
Shem Guibbory, violin
Ken Ishii, cello
Elizabeth Arnold, voice
Rebecca Armstrong, voice
Nurit Tilles, piano
Larry Karush, piano, maracas
Gary Schall, marimba, maracas
Bob Becker, marimba, xylophone
Russ Hartenberger, marimba, xylophone
James Preiss, metallophone, piano
Steve Chambers, piano
Steve Reich, piano, Marimba
David van Tieghem, marimba, xylophone, piano
Glen Velez, marimba, xylophone
Virgil Blackwell, clarinet, bass clarinet
Richard Cohen, clarinet, bass clarinet
Jay Clayton, voice, piano
Pamela Fraley, voice

Digitally remastered

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Booklet for Reich: Music for 18 Musicians (Remastered)