Performance Practice in the Music of Steve Reich

A performer's perspective on Reich's compositions which explores the techniques developed by musicians to bring his compositions to life.

Russell Hartenberger (Author)

9781107151505, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 October 2016

288 pages, 25 b/w illus. 102 music examples
25.2 x 18 x 1.8 cm, 0.74 kg

'This excellent book celebrates composer Steve Reich with an 80th birthday gift of publication. … This reviewer gives an A+ to the publisher and author for offering this fine book on the subject. … this volume gives a welcome and expert guide to the subject. … highly recommended.' Geary Larrick, Nacwpi Journal

Performance Practice in the Music of Steve Reich provides a performer's perspective on Steve Reich's compositions from his iconic minimalist work, Drumming, to his masterpiece, Music for 18 Musicians. It addresses performance issues encountered by the musicians in Reich's original ensemble and the techniques they developed to bring his compositions to life. Drawing comparisons with West African drumming and other non-Western music, the book highlights ideas that are helpful in the understanding and performance of rhythm in all pulse-based music. Through conversations and interviews with the author, Reich discusses his percussion background and his thoughts about rhythm in relation to the music of Ghana, Bali, India, and jazz. He explains how he used rhythm in his early compositions, the time feel he wants in his music, the kind of performer who seems to be drawn to his music, and the way perceptual and metrical ambiguity create interest in repetitive music.

Foreword Steve Reich
Introduction, 1. Drumming, early days
2. Percussion and Drumming
3. The process of composing Drumming
4. Drumming, Part I
5. Drumming, Part II
6. Drumming, Part III
7. Drumming, Part IV
8. Acoustics of Drumming
9. Anatomy of a phase
10. Performance practice in Drumming
11. Clapping Music
12. Music for Pieces of Wood
13. Six Pianos
14. Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices, and Organ
15. Music for 18 Musicians
16. Inside rhythm.

Subject Areas: Percussion instruments [AVRJ], Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH], Non-Western music: traditional & "classical" [AVGE], 20th century & contemporary classical music [AVGC6], Theory of music & musicology [AVA]