Steve Reich: Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite

Steve Reich's "Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde classical music, released on Harmonia Mundi in August 2016. This album showcases two of Reich's recent works, performed by the acclaimed Ensemble Signal under the direction of Brad Lubman. The pieces were recorded at the Concert Hall of EMPAC, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, with "Radio Rewrite" recorded in January 2016 and "Double Sextet" in March 2011.

The album features eight tracks, with a total duration of 39 minutes. It opens with the energetic "Double Sextet: I. Fast" and concludes with the equally dynamic "Radio Rewrite: V. Fast." The compositions alternate between fast and slow movements, creating a compelling rhythm that keeps the listener engaged throughout. Reich's signature style of layering patterns and phases is evident, offering a rich and intricate listening experience.

"Double Sextet" is a piece for twelve musicians, originally written for two sextets, and "Radio Rewrite" draws inspiration from the music of Radiohead, blending Reich's classical training with contemporary influences. The Ensemble Signal's performance is noted for its lucid and elegant interpretation, bringing out the warmth and complexity of Reich's compositions.

This album is a testament to Steve Reich's enduring influence in the world of contemporary classical music, offering a blend of innovation and accessibility. Whether you're a longtime fan of Reich's work or new to his music, "Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite" provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential composers of our time.

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.