Desert Music, The - Steve Reich > Reviews > Orchestral pulsations

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	A stunning soundworld
Disadvantages:	It is a long work

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Steve Reich has often said that writing for the orchestra was difficult. This is in part to difficult personal times but also aestetically it hindered the rhythmic agility that his music requires. However, despite reservations by many about his orchestral works (they are often considered his weaker works) I find myself continually fascinated by what he makes the orchestra do. The Desert Music is music on an epic scale featuring huge sweeping textures and turbulent chorales set to text by Wittgenstein (whom steve studied during his philosophy major). The piece lasts some 48 minutes and is sectioned into contrasting moods and tempi. The very opening and closing movements are like giant pulsating waves that literally crash down over you, it truely is an amazing feeling. The orchestra pulsates to steady quavers as the harmony morphs slowly. The piece as a whole is quite difficult to hear in one sitting unless you really find the groove and stick with it. When you reach that point, you cant help but be carried away by the sounds. Perhaps the most striking effect comes (i believe in the 3rd or 4th movement) where the violias create an eerie sense of war and destruction with long glissandi creating the sound of an air raid siren, its chilling indeed and one would find it hard to believe that the sweet sound of the viola has become the sound of something far more sinister. For those interested in philosophy, you will find the text fascinating to, it really is the joining of two genius minds in one work.
For those not familiar with Reich it may be hard to listen all the way through, but having individual movements does allow you to dip in at will first. The first and last are my favourite parts, with the last literally conjouring up images of a vast desert, windswept and isolated, the wind rocking back and forth.
For those who know his chamber music well, then the desert music is definately the first choice for his orchestral works, followed closely by the four sections and then variations for strings, winds and keyboards.

Stunning music!