Radio Rewrite

"Radio Rewrite" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde classical music, crafted by the renowned composer Steve Reich. Released in 2014 under the Nonesuch label, this album is a testament to Reich's innovative approach to composition, blending intricate structures with a deep sense of rhythm and melody. The album features a unique blend of new works and reimaginings of earlier material, showcasing Reich's evolution as a composer.

The centerpiece of the album is the title track, "Radio Rewrite," which pays homage to the English band Radiohead. Co-commissioned and recorded by Alarm Will Sound, this piece references two of Radiohead's songs, weaving them into Reich's distinctive musical language. The album also includes a reimagining of Reich's earlier work, "Electric Counterpoint," performed with a blend of acoustic and electric instruments, highlighting the composer's ongoing exploration of musical textures and timbres.

"Radio Rewrite" is a 45-minute journey through Reich's musical universe, with tracks that alternate between fast and slow tempos, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The album's genres span minimalism, avant-garde, and classical, making it a compelling addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Steve Reich or new to his work, "Radio Rewrite" offers a rich and rewarding exploration 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.