Raw Reich

Minimalism with a maximum effect

"he is one of the pioneering artists to have used technology as an instrument"

For those who haven’t had a taste of The Sound Issue of This Is The Order magazine, be warned that this is not just about beautifully ornamented sonatas, or the visceral intensity of hardcore punk. We believe sound can move us on many different levels, and this is not always constrained to the cannons of melody and rhythm.

Steve Reich is a case in point. He is best known for exercising stoic restraint in his compositions and made that minimalism the defining characteristic of his sound for years to come. Mr. Reich’s interest in music began at an early age, when he studied piano and drums, but he really began his creative journey with the commercial advent of the tape recorder.

Even though he is openly dismissive of electronic music, he is one of the pioneering artists to have used technology as an instrument, and has been cited an influence to many musicians, and to music in general. Mr. Reich prefers to describe himself as an analogue composer, and it’s easy to see why. Allowing tape loops to seamlessly blend and create an almost organic sound, is the mark of a true genius and a telling sign of his immense skill. Having moved on from tape loops, Mr. Reich achieved what is regarded as his creative pinnacle – the 1998 masterpiece “Music for 18 Musicians,” where his minimalism took on a completely new form, and was being tackled by a larger ensemble of musicians.

Overall, Mr. Reich’s contribution is indisputable, and has received all matter of awards over the course of his considerable career – from Grammy’s to Pulitzer, to the Relentless blog. The joy.