COMPOSERS: Reich
LABELS: DG
WORKS: Six Pianos; Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ; Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards
PERFORMER: Steve Reich and Musicians San Francisco Symphony/Edo de Waart
CATALOGUE NO: 439 431-2 ADD/DDD (1974)
Both Six Pianos and Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ were written in 1973, and Reich’s own performances comprehensively demonstrate the music’s hypnotic effect through constantly changing textures within apparently unchanging musical surfaces. The Variations (1980) are no less mesmeric in this entrancingly soothing performance by the San Francisco Symphony, who commissioned the piece. With insert notes that place these pieces in their historical context, this is an excellent recording for those wishing to sample Minimalism. Nicholas Rast
Reich: Six Pianos; Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ; Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards
Both Six Pianos and Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ were written in 1973, and Reich’s own performances comprehensively demonstrate the music’s hypnotic effect through constantly changing textures within apparently unchanging musical surfaces. The Variations (1980) are no less mesmeric in this entrancingly soothing performance by the San Francisco Symphony, who commissioned the piece. With insert notes that place these pieces in their historical context, this is an excellent recording for those wishing to sample Minimalism. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:31 pm