About me:Hi, I'm currently studying for my BMus degree in cardiff in composition. Music is my passion! I love...
Member since:30.04.2005
Reviews:5
Review rated by 10 Ciao members on average: helpful
The main piece on this CD is Triple Quartet, a work written as recently as 1999. It has a strident and pungent sound but features Reich's famous driving, pulsing rhythms that are really captivating. Unlike his earlier works, the harmonies are stronger and less lush and there is a constant sense of drama and a surprisingly high level of passion. It took me some time to warm to the piece but now it is very high on my list. The slow movement is particlarly beautiful. Next up is a reworking of Violin Phase for electric guitar. An odd concept but it does work. However i prefer the original, its hard edge tone may not be to everybodys liking. Music for a large ensemble follows next and flows along at fast pace with interlocking patterns. There were moments when the mix seems to lose its way, and some of the textures seem to collide a little, but essentially a soothing and exciting journey into Reich's trademark sound. Finally is Tokyo counterpoint, a rescoring for marimba of vermont counterpoint. Because it is MIDI marimba, it lacks any human warmth, and it does very little for me. The original is far more pleasing.
This CD is very good, it features rare glimpses into older works as well as presenting the new work Triple Quartet in a fast and dynamic recording.
e. Here the four players appear in triplicate, performing Steve Reich's Triple Quartet by pre-recording two quartets and playing the third simultaneously with the tape....
30.04.2005 20:56
Hi and a warm welcome to ciao. Some good info there in your first, well-written review. I hope you enjoy the ciao experience, as I do. Ray
30.04.2005 20:33
Hi & welcome. Haven't heard any of his music since finishing my music degree in '98. Might give it a try. Clare x
30.04.2005 19:02
Hi and welcome to Ciao - good start there - Lexy