Steve Reich

I just got back from seeing the SUNY Stony Brook Percussion Ensemble perform Reich's Music for 18 Musicians. It is such a great piece. Reich is the original innovator, probably the most important composer of drum music well, I would say of the 20th century but that would make it like ever. I've heard his ensemble on several occasions and it has always been mind -blowing.

In Musician for 18 Musicians the two central percussionist, first on marimba and then on xylophone, and then the marimbas return, keep an ostinato where one guy is holding down as 8th note pulse and the other plays the 16th upbeats to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU23LqQ6LY4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHVMVDhC-UA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZWhInB76Lw

I've been a fan of Steve Reich's music since I was a teenager back in the 1970's. He would have concerts in large lofts in Manhattan. Some friends and I would go to them on Friday or Saturday nights. We would hear and see some of his classic works, such as "Drumming."

I am surprised there is not a lot more said about Reich's music on this site. After all, he is a drummer and a composer, and Wikipedia calls him "the greatest American living composer." Check out some of his works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Reich