Music For 18 Musicians

Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians is often hailed as one his best pieces of music. This album does justice to this title. Extending over one hour in duration, themes are built up in repetition incorporating subtle changes along the way. It gradually builds up into a piece with wonderfully intricate, yet simple rhythms that makes the whole work a dynamic and exciting experience. A variety of instruments are used in this piece - notably wind instruments, glockenspiels, marimbas and voices. With these sounds Reich constructs beautiful sweeping chords that carry the listener smoothly from one scene to another.