Double Sextet/2x5

Steve Reich, a pioneer in minimalist composition, presents "Double Sextet/2x5," a captivating album released on Nonesuch in September 2010. This album is a testament to Reich's innovative approach to music, blending classical, avant-garde, and minimalist genres into a unique auditory experience.

The album features two distinct works: "Double Sextet" and "2x5." "Double Sextet," commissioned by the Grammy-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird, showcases a cool combination of flute, clarinet, vibraphone, piano, violin, and cello, with each instrument doubled for a rich, layered sound. "2x5," commissioned by the Manchester International Festival in association with Casa da Música (Porto), is performed by the renowned Bang on a Can ensemble. This piece is scored for a classic-rock lineup doubled: two electric guitars, piano, electric bass, and drums, creating a dynamic and energetic composition.

Each piece is divided into three movements—fast, slow, and fast—offering a diverse range of tempos and moods. The album's total duration is 42 minutes, providing a concise yet immersive listening experience. "Double Sextet/2x5" is a must-listen for fans of Steve Reich and those interested in exploring the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

Steve Reich, born in New York in 1936, is a pioneering American composer renowned for his groundbreaking work in minimalist music. Often hailed as "America's greatest living composer" and "the most original musical thinker of our time," Reich's compositions are characterised by their use of repetitive patterns, slow harmonic changes, and intricate canons. His innovative approach, as articulated in his essay "Music as a Gradual Process," focuses on making musical processes perceptible, allowing the listener to experience the evolution of sound over time. Reich's early works, such as those that employ phase shifting, create mesmerising new musical patterns through the subtle manipulation of tempo and timing. Throughout his career, Reich has explored a diverse range of influences, from Western classical music to non-Western traditions, resulting in a rich and varied body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.