The first four movements or sections of the piece showcase primarily the orchestra. Layer or Section One features a dazzling section of whole tone or otherworldly strings. More fascinating harmonies that are truly off the wall in Section two when piano and mallets are introduced. This piece employs a large orchestra that is split into discreet sections to showcase the colors of the orchestra. The first three layers can be seen as solo or duets between sections of the orchestra. Section Number Four culminates in the full orchestra playing with all strength and might. The Fifth Section is the most intriguing when the mallets, drone-like organ and some light vocal syllables and long tones are introduced. It’s a very spellbinding combination of instruments that many don’t try, but that is Steve Reich for you!
The last movement of the whole collection has a unique angelic quality to it which is really great for ambience. Feeling of nirvana? Maybe, that’s what it can be described as. Reich is known for experiments like this and this one proved to be a winner. It’s really spell-binding how to the vocal is of just the right temperament to the mallets or bells. It is not like the psychedelic stuff you get in the sixties. It is further expanded. There are a tone of good sounds that could be drawn from this. I hear a lot of potential movie excerpts coming out of this. It is as if someone is constantly running from a situation. This is then followed underneath by a drone in the strings. This is the climax of his rather minimalist textures, which after listening to a few pieces of minimalism, I find it to be very meditative. Listen to this if you want your mind blown! I wonder where I get my love of repetitious textures from. Sometimes, repetition is good for the mind.
I recommend that everyone check out this as well as his full hour and eight minute Music for 18 Musicians, which will come in a later review. Both pieces have a texture of health where you can just tune out.
