#10 - Music for 18 Musicians

Steve Reich - Music for 18 Musicians

 Steve Reich is an american composer who notably invented the genre known today as 'Minimalist'. Its classified by its repeating and subtly evolving movements. This album has the ability to take you to a place youve never been, and has the endurance to help you find your way around this new world it creates.

Music for 18 Musicians was written back in 1974 and recorded several times since. Basically, its a cycle of 11 chords played by an 'orchestra' of 18 musicians who are all constantly switching between different instruments.

It starts with 'Pulses', The main theme if you will, Followed by Sections I-XI. My favorite being Section IV.

Reich has a way with introducing these dissonant riffs that start with a single strike. Then two strikes in a measure. Then 4. Then before you know it, the instrument is fully integrated into the song and another is right behind it.

One of the things that drew me to loving this album is the 'rush'. The rhythm of which Reich carries his music from the stillness, to the abrupt, to the quiet, to the grandiose. Its something that must be experienced on a personal level.