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Masters of Minimalism: Steve Reich

Often hailed as America's greatest living composer, Steve Reich's remarkable career has progressed from tape loop experiments and 'phasing' techniques to deploying samplers and video footage, influencing countless musicians along the way.

Here Reich, 79, explains the ideas behind some of his earlier compositions and tells how while on tour in Belgium he had a Eureka moment at a flamenco gig. He explains how all these musical discoveries developed to become components of his larger ensembles such as Music For Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ, Six Pianos and Music For 18 Musicians.

The film features archive footage of Reich’s ensemble performing Music for 18 Musicians in the 1979 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ programme Trailblazers: Reich’s Revolution.

Thanks to Colin Hynd and Svend Brown at Glasgow Life.

Release date:

Duration:

7 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest Steve Reich
Director Angus McIntyre

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