Steve Reich (b. 1936)
It's Gonna Rain (1965)
Part I
Part II
Melodica (1966)
Reed Phase (1966)
Piano Phase (1967)
Violin Phase (1967)
Pendulum Music (1968)
Pulse Music (1969)
Four Log Drums (1969)
Four Organs (1970)
Phase Patterns (1970)
Drumming (1971)
Clapping Music (1972)
Music for Mallet Instruments (1973)
Music for Pieces of Wood (1973)
Six Pianos (1973)
Octet
Music for 18 Musicians (1976)
Tehillim (1981)
The Desert Music (1984)
Different Trains
Proverb
City Life (1995): Check It Out
The Cave
Three Tales
Stephen Michael Reich (b. October 3, 1936) is an American composer who pioneered the style of minimalism. His innovations include using tape loops to create phasing patterns (examples are his early compositions, It's Gonna Rain and Come Out), and the use of simple, audible processes to explore musical concepts (for instance, Pendulum Music and Four Organs). These compositions, marked by their use of repetitive figures, slow harmonic rhythm and canons, have significantly influenced contemporary music, especially in the US. Reich's work took on a darker character in the 1980's with the introduction of historical themes as well as themes from his Jewish heritage.
The Guardian has described Reich as one of the few composers to have "altered the direction of musical history," has been called "America's greatest living composer" (the Village Voice) as well as "...among the great composers of the century" (New York Times).
Reich's style of composition has influenced many other composers and musical groups, including Philip Glass (especially his early pieces), John Adams, the progressive rock band King Crimson, and the art-pop and electronic musician Brian Eno.
[8937 Glass / 8936 Reich / 8936 Holly]
