Steve Reich

Steve Reich

Steve Reich is an American composer from New York, United States, associated with minimalism, contemporary classical music, ambient, modern classical, opera and experimental and avant-garde composition. He is a pioneer of minimalism, although his music moves beyond a purely minimalist style.

Style and techniques

Reich is known for using tape loops to build phasing patterns and for using musical processes as the basis for composition. Early works such as “It’s Gonna Rain” and “Come Out” use tape loops to create shifting rhythmic relationships, while pieces including “Pendulum Music” and “Four Organs” explore process-based methods. His music often uses repetitive figures and phasing effects, and it has had a strong influence on contemporary music.

Influences

Reich cites Pérotin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky among the composers he admires. Jazz is a major influence on his work, with early inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald and Alfred Deller for their vocal clarity and limited vibrato. John Coltrane also shapes his thinking, particularly the approach he describes as using many notes over few harmonies. He also draws on West African music, which he studies in readings and during a visit to Ghana. Other influences include Kenny Clarke, Miles Davis, and visual artists Sol LeWitt and Richard Serra.

Recognition and publishing

Reich’s work is published by Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishing. He wins the Polar Prize in 2007. His music is described as having changed the direction of musical history.

Associated performers

Steve Reich and Musicians is listed as his performing ensemble.