Double Sextet/2x5

Steve Reich's "Double Sextet/2x5" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde classical music, released on September 10, 2010, under the Nonesuch label. This album showcases Reich's mastery of rhythmic complexity and intricate layering, featuring two distinct yet interconnected works: "Double Sextet" and "2x5."

The Pulitzer Prize-winning "Double Sextet" is performed by the acclaimed ensemble Eighth Blackbird, who bring a beautifully poised and precise interpretation to Reich's intricate compositions. The piece is structured in three movements—Fast, Slow, and Fast—each offering a unique journey through Reich's signature style of phasing and repetition.

"2x5," on the other hand, is a dynamic and innovative work that features two groupings of electric guitars, piano, bass guitar, and drums. The title refers to the spatial arrangement of the instruments, with material shifting from stage left to stage right. This piece is notable for its Zappa-esque chordings and the jerky vibrato effect created by slightly out-of-sync doubling, adding a unique texture to Reich's musical palette.

With a total duration of 42 minutes, this album is a testament to Steve Reich's enduring influence and creativity in the world of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Reich's work, "Double Sextet/2x5" offers a rich and engaging listening experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of minimalist composition.

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.