Compiled by our Modern Music-desk.
Minimalists go to the max!
The works of three contemporary, (post) minimalist composers – two American and one British – take centre stage today: Steve Reich (1936) (photo), Gavin Bryars (1943) and Michael Torke (1961).
In Reich’s recente Music for Ensemble and Orchestra he combines repetative, rhythmic, minimalist patterns with the rich sound of a symphonic orchestra. A unique ensemble is created this way, with intimacy and grandeur at the same time.
Playlist
1. Steve Reich: Music for Ensemble and Orchestra, 2018. Los Angeles Philharmonic; Susanna Mälkki:
I – Sixteenth
II – Eighths
III – Quarters
IV – Eights
V – Sixteenths
2. Gavin Bryars: The sinking of the Titanic. Gavin Bryars (piano); Eva Hart (speaking voice); San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra
3. Michael Torke: Ecstatic Orange. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; David Zinman.
