Topic: Steve Reich (b. 1936)

[Mirror Image]

I oppose any/all music written in reference to 9/11, actually any tragedy of that scale.  Reich, Glass, Adams, and the rest working in that style are not for me, but especially not for me concerning that piece.

Out of curiosity, would the Holocaust be off limits for you as well?

[Mandryka]

Yes.  I don't like music or art to have a message, and political messages are the worst.

Ah, I thought you were going to say something about Reich jumping in to capitalise on a human tragedy.

[Mandryka]

IMO, the greater the tragedy the inadequacy of music is underscored, and I feel it, in a way, trivializes the grief of those most directly impacted.

I understand, and to some extent sympathise.

[milk]

I understand, and to some extent sympathise.

I do too. Most films about the Holocaust, for example, are terrible, including Schindler’s List. Lanzmann is the exception there. I’ve a friend who believes abstract expressionism and minimalism are meant to distract people from from their exploitation. But I much prefer art about more ontological or abstract experience. On the other other hand, how can we understand the Holocaust except through art? Not art alone of course.

[petrarch]

IMO, the greater the tragedy the inadequacy of music is underscored, and I feel it, in a way, trivializes the grief of those most directly impacted.

Isn't this trivialization in the ear (and expectations) of the beholder?

My favorite composer is notorious for the political bent of almost all his works. I find nothing other than utmost respect, belief and hope in and for the causes he expressed and provided commentary on through his music. Ricorda cosa ti hanno fatto in Auschwitz is a fitting, deeply personal commentary on the horrors of the Holocaust.

[milk]

Isn't this trivialization in the ear (and expectations) of the beholder?

My favorite composer is notorious for the political bent of almost all his works. I find nothing other than utmost respect, belief and hope in and for the causes he expressed and provided commentary on through his music. Ricorda cosa ti hanno fatto in Auschwitz is a fitting, deeply personal commentary on the horrors of the Holocaust.

gosh I’ve never heard that piece. I shall search it today.

[San Antone]

His latest work is very nice:

Steve Reich - Traveler's Prayer (2020)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/b78wdMc3m7U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/b78wdMc3m7U</a>

Colin Currie Group with Synergy Vocals

[Brewski]

On the 50th anniversary of Clapping Music (1972), a fine appreciation (though I'm not crazy about the headline):

https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music/2022/05/how-steve-reichs-clapping-music-rebooted-classical

--Bruce