Minimalist Composer Reaches Maximalist Age: Steve Reich at 90
On the Next Echoes, Steve Reich turns 90. We’ll celebrate with some special insights and we’ll play most of Music for 18 Musicians, one of his most celebrated works, and one of the masterpieces of the 20th Century. There are two musicians who are always cited in virtually every interview on Echoes. One of them is Brian Eno. the other one is Steve Reich. Reich emerged out of New Yorks downtown music scene in the late 1960s. His early works were tape loop pieces and these are the works that influenced people like Brian Eno. But he moved into instrumental compositions with his own ensemble. His earlier works were pure minimalism like “Four Organs,” “Phase Patterns,” and “Clapping Music.” That last one is just what it says, two musicians, clapping a tongue-tying rhythm.
Reich has composed dozens of compositions and influential pieces like “Electric Counterpoint,” “Drumming,” “Different Trains” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” His influence extends far beyond classical music and the avant-garde. From Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” to Coldplay’s “Clocks” reverberations of Steve Reich can be heard. His sound pervades the sampling of hip-hop and the tense strains of film music.
Nearly every musician I talk to cites Reich as an influence. But when they say that, they usually mean just one work: “Music for 18 Musicians.” Composed in 1976 and released in 1978, it’s cyclical melodies, kinetic rhythm and deep ever shifting layers captured a spirit that was mesmerizingly psychedelic and cerebrally expansive. It seemed to appeal to music nerds as well as the then burgeoning meditative community. So right now, to celebrate Steve Reich’s 90th Birthday on October 3rd, we will bring you as much of “Music for 18 musicians” as we can. Join John Diliberto for the 90th Birthday of Steve Reich on Echoes from PRX.
Read John Diliberto’s 10 Essential Steve Reich Recordings