Steve Reich: Reich/Richter

Steve Reich, a pioneer in minimalist and avant-garde music, presents his latest masterpiece, "Reich/Richter," a captivating exploration of sound and pattern inspired by the visual works of German artist Gerhard Richter. This album, released on June 10, 2022, under the Nonesuch label, is the first recording of Reich's composition, performed by the renowned Ensemble intercontemporain and conducted by George Jackson.

"Reich/Richter" is a concise yet powerful collection of four tracks, spanning a total duration of 36 minutes. The album opens with the titular "Reich/Richter: Opening," setting the stage for a journey through "Patterns & Scales," "Cross Fades," and culminating in a resonant "Ending." Each piece is a testament to Reich's signature style, characterized by repetitive structures, subtle shifts, and intricate layering of sounds.

The inspiration behind this album is as intriguing as the music itself. Reich drew from Richter's abstract paintings, translating the visual patterns and scales into a sonic landscape. The result is a harmonious blend of minimalism, avant-garde, and classical elements, creating an immersive auditory experience.

"Reich/Richter" is not just an album; it's an exploration of the interplay between visual and auditory art forms. The Ensemble intercontemporain's precise and dynamic performance, coupled with George Jackson's conducting, brings Reich's vision to life, offering listeners a unique and engaging musical journey. Whether you're a longtime fan of Steve Reich or new to his work, "Reich/Richter" promises a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience.

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.