<i>Drumming</i>: an Algorithmic Approach
– This project uses an algorithmic approach to explore the concept of resultant patterns as used by Steve Reich in Drumming. It seeks to analyze what it means for a resultant pattern to be interesting and to encode these intuitive musical characteristics into a computer algorithm.
Steve Reich #2 – Episode 30
Steve Reich Conversation #2. Steve talks about major musical influences in his life: William Austin, Hall Overton, Vincent Persichetti, and Luciano Berio. Josh and Steve discuss the value of performing and studying music from other cultures, “grandpa’s music,” and Steve’s latest compositional ideas.
Micaela Haslam – Episode 29
Micaela Haslam is the artistic director of Synergy Vocals, a group that is closely associated with Steve Reich’s music. She discusses singers and rhythm, operating the sound board for performances of Reich’s music, a magical performance of Drumming in Buenos Aires, the human quality of Reich’s music and its many connections to the music of Bach.
Steve Reich and the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame
– Steve Reich was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2007 joining some of the members of his ensemble and other esteemed composers of music for percussion. Lauren Vogel Weiss outlines Reich’s career in an article for Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society.
<i>Marimba Phase/Mallet Phase</i>
– A look at the origins of Piano Phase played on two marimbas, the end of phasing as a compositional tool, some of the techniques required to play Marimba Phase, and Garry Kvistad’s adaptation of the piece for just intonation-tuned instruments.
Thoughts on Percussion and Rhythm
– The composer of Drumming discusses musical intuition, time feel, speech rhythms, electronics, the music of India, and how he uses rhythm in his compositions. He describes his early percussion training and his experience with the music of West Africa and Bali.
Performance Practice in the Music of Steve Reich
– An overview of Russell Hartenberger’s book that provides a performer’s perspective on Steve Reich’s compositions from his iconic minimalist work, Drumming, to his masterpiece, Music for 18 Musicians. The book addresses performance issues encountered by musicians in Reich’s original ensemble and the techniques they developed to bring his compositions to life.
Amino Belyamani – Episode 28
Amino Belyamani, founding member of Dawn of Midi, talks about growing up in Morocco and hearing Gnawa music and Berber music. He explains how the roles of the frequency spectrum are reversed in Ewe music and describes his infatuation with rhythms and time feel.
Nelson Dorado – Episode 27
Nelson Dorado, sound engineer with Sō Percussion, describes the issues that arise while mixing a live performance of Drumming. He talks about the importance of creating trust between the sound engineer and the performers.
John Kilgore – Episode 26
John Kilgore, recording engineer for many Steve Reich records, discusses Frank Zappa, The Cave, marimba harmonics, hamburger helper, and the technical and interpersonal issues in the recording booth with Steve Reich and Judy Sherman.