Reich, Steve. (b. 1936)

Autograph Letter

Scarce ALS from the American composer, an influential pioneer of minimalist music. On a card. New York, Dec. 17, 1974. Sending a fan a copy of his new book which "contains a list of works + recordings in the Appendix. For your interest, my musicians (all 12 of them) + I recently recorded Drumming (1 1/2 hours long), Six Pianos, and Music for Mallet Instruments, Voice and Organ for Deutsche Grammophone. They have produced a very beautiful 3 record box complete with 12 page illustrated booklet. It's DG. 2740-106 and will be released in mid to late January 1975. - Hope you will enjoy it." Autograph material of Reich is very rare.

His innovations include using tape loops to create phasing patterns (examples are his early compositions, "It's Gonna Rain" and "Come Out"), and the use of simple, audible processes to explore musical concepts (for instance, "Pendulum Music" and "Four Organs"). These compositions, marked by their use of repetitive figures, slow harmonic rhythm and canons, have significantly influenced contemporary music, especially in the US. (8550)
Autograph Letter
Classical Music