Steve Reich and his 18 musicians

Sam asked for some more recommendations in the modern classical area, and so I’ll oblige and trot out some of my favorites. I’ll start today with one of my favorite pieces to listen to. It’s Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians. This is a piece that even those who don’t have an ear (or stomach) for twentieth-century classical can enjoy. It’s a wonderful work that is rhythmic and methodical in its approach. It pulses, dilates, and contracts again. You can think of it as phases. The work is organized into 14 sections, but it is played as one continuous piece of music. And that’s how it is best enjoyed. Just hit play on the CD player, and let it go for its entirety.

It’s an interesting mix of instruments, including piano, vibraphone, marimba, xylophone, clarinets, violin, cello, and female voices. I love Steve Reich generally, but Music for 18 Musicians is an especially listenable and enjoyable work. Here’s a link to the album at the iTunes Music Store. Actually it looks like iTunes’ selection of Steve Reich’s music has exploded since the last time I looked. Find out more about Steve Reich at the Steve Reich Website.