Steve Reich (1936-), Mallet Quartet (2009), So Percussion
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lagniappe
reading table
At worst, one is in motion; and at best,
Reaching no absolute, in which to rest,
One is always nearer by not keeping still.—Thom Gunn (1929-2004), “On the Move” (fragment)
sounds of New York
Eli Keszler & So Percussion, “Archway,” New York, 2013
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lagniappe
reading table
“I shouldn’t have to see the pain, struggle and despair of homeless people to and from my way to work every day.”
—Daniel Duane, “The Tent Cities of San Francisco” (quoting Justin Keller), New York Times, 12/18/16
percussion festival
day two
John Cage (1912-1992), Third Construction (1941); So Percussion, live
John Cage, Third Construction (1941)
So Percussion
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lagniappe
musical thoughts
Is anything more familiar—or mysterious—than sound?
two takes
Here’s a very different piece by Steve Reich—one I first heard, in a New York performance by Reich’s ensemble, 40 years ago. At the time, the only way he could get his music heard was to play it himself.
Steve Reich, Drumming (1971), excerpts
So Percussion, live, Baltimore (Johns Hopkins University), c. 2009
Vodpod videos no longer available.*****
Steve Reich (wearing cap) with members of Ensemble Modern
Live, Germany (Cologne), 2009
More? Here. And here. And here.
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lagniappe
All music theory refers to something that has already happened, but if it is taken as a prescription, or worse a manifesto, heaven help you.
Actually, you don’t even need a single string.
Steve Reich, “Clapping Music” (1972)/So Percussion, live, California (Palo Alto), 1/8/10 (music starts at 3:35)
More Steve Reich? Here.
music clip of the day 