New York Counterpoint - Steve Reich (1985)


Wikipedia - "New York Counterpoint for amplified clarinet and tape, or 11 clarinets and bass clarinet is a 1985 minimalist composition written by American composer Steve Reich. The piece, intended to capture the throbbing vibrancy of Manhattan, is notable for its ability to imitate electronic sounds through acoustic instrumentation. The piece was commissioned in 1984 by clarinetist Richard Stoltzman for nine B-flat clarinets and three bass clarinets. This was the second in Reich's 'counterpoint' series, preceded by Vermont Counterpoint (1982) for flutes, and followed by Electric Counterpoint (1987), for electric guitars. Each of these works are scored for one live performer who plays against up to a dozen recordings of the same instrument. The canonic interplay in the composition creates multiple layers of sound, akin to Reich's earlier phase pieces. Out of the series, New York Counterpoint is considered the most rhythmically intricate and one of Reich's most well known works. The second movement of the piece was featured as a set work for Edexcel music A level between 2008 and 2016. New York Counterpoint is divided into three movements known only by their suggested tempi: fast, slow and fast. ..."
Wikipedia
Boosey & Hawkes
YouTube: New York Counterpoint

2008 February: Steve Reich, 2010 October: Double Sextet, 2010 December: South Bank Show, 2011 February: Different Trains, 2011 June: Music for pieces of wood, 2011 October: Maximum Reich 2.0, 2011 November: A New Musical Language (documentary, 1987), 2012 May: Influences: Steve Reich, 2017 March: Steve Reich’s Celebration of the Lineage of Minimalism

No comments:

Post a Comment