Steve Reich: Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite

Steve Reich, a pioneer in minimalist and avant-garde classical music, presents a captivating album with "Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite." Released on August 26, 2016, under the Harmonia Mundi label, this album is a testament to Reich's innovative compositional style and enduring influence in the classical music scene.

The album features two of Reich's notable works: "Double Sextet" and "Radio Rewrite." "Double Sextet," composed in 2009, is a dynamic piece that explores the interplay between two sextets, each consisting of a flute, clarinet, violin, vibraphone, piano, and percussion. The work is divided into three movements—Fast, Slow, and Fast—each showcasing Reich's signature rhythmic complexity and intricate layering of musical lines.

"Radio Rewrite," composed in 2012, is inspired by the music of Radiohead and DJ Shadow. This five-movement piece—Fast, Slow, Fast, Slow, Fast—demonstrates Reich's ability to blend contemporary influences with his minimalist aesthetic. The composition features a chamber ensemble, including flute, clarinet, two violins, two pianos, and two vibraphones, creating a rich and textured soundscape.

With a total duration of 39 minutes, the album offers a concise yet immersive listening experience. Reich's meticulous attention to rhythmic patterns and harmonic progression is evident throughout, making this album a compelling addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Steve Reich or new to his work, "Double Sextet. Radio Rewrite" promises an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of modern 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.