Even though I respect his original approach to music and I find his compositions somewhat compelling, I'm officially sick and tired of Steve Reich.
I guess it's time to phase him out. :) Okay, no one will get that.
Anyone studying modern classical music should at least preview his material, just don't overload yourself like I did. It's like eating the whole container of Cool-Whip.
In other words, be eclectic.
Recommended recordings:
The Cave
Music for 18 Musicians
Music for Large Ensemble
Eight Lines (Octet)
Six Pianos
Variations for Winds, Strings, and Keyboard
Proverb
Marimba Phase
I get it! Phase out! Minimalist!
Yay! I get it!
(Did I get it?)
Have been listening to a lot of Reich lately (ok, just a few albums, but it seems like each one is eternal). As per your suggestion, I've been wading through Tehillim. I studied Hebrew for a year, so this is all the more intriguing to me. It would make great background music for a Holocaust movie -- might even rival the soundtrack for Schindler's List for appropriateness, in spite of its brighter halleluia moments.
This is like chai for me. I try it even though I very much prefer "normal" tea or coffee. I try it because I want to know where the commender is coming from. I attempt to cultivate at least an appreciation if not a taste for it.
I am quite proud of myself for making it through "Pendulum Music" without throwing my stereo out the window or damaging any of my other property. I made the mistake of mentioning it to a student, though, who came up with quite the similar sound effect and pestered me with it for at least ten minutes.
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