Steve Reich

Brief bio of Steve Reich by host Tim Page. Reich begins by talking about his early music experiences with drumming and its influence on later and contemporary work. He comments on the classification of "minimalist" and calls it useful but not descriptive of his music after 1971 nor his work, Drumming. Reich goes into some detail about early work and the development of his ensemble. Introduction to the piece Octet.

Musical Selection: Octet (1979) - Steve Reich and musicians on an ECM recording.

Reich talks about his work, Desert Music.

Musical Selection: Excerpt from the 1st movement of The Desert Music by Steve Reich.

Reich talks briefly about the 3rd movement of Desert Music.

Musical Selection: Excerpt from the 3rd movement of The Desert Music by Steve Reich.

Reich's advice to young composers: Keep on writing and producing. He says to see to performances yourself if your work isn't being performed the way you want it performed.

WNYC archives id: 8900