Steve Reich is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 20th century. Known for his pioneering work in minimalist music, Reich has pushed the boundaries of classical music with his use of repetitive patterns, complex rhythms, and interlocking harmonies. Over the course of his career, Reich has created a vast body of work that includes some of the most celebrated pieces in the minimalist canon. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Steve Reich songs of all time. From early works like “Drumming” and “Music for 18 Musicians” to more recent works like “Double Sextet” and “Radio Rewrite,” we will explore the breadth and depth of Reich’s musical output and highlight the pieces that have had the greatest impact on the world of classical music. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Reich’s work or are just discovering his music for the first time, this list is sure to provide insight into one of the most fascinating and influential composers of our time.
1. It’s Gonna Rain
Steve Reich’s “It’s Gonna Rain” is a minimalist composition that is both mesmerizing and haunting. The piece is built around a recording of a Pentecostal preacher, Brother Walter, whose sermon is repeated and manipulated to create a polyrhythmic tapestry of sound. Reich took the recording of Brother Walter and looped it, playing it on two tape machines simultaneously, which resulted in the speech gradually shifting out of phase with itself. The resulting sound is a hypnotic, repetitive pattern of phrases and rhythms that create a trance-like effect.
As the piece progresses, the listener is drawn deeper into the soundscape, with the intensity and volume of the preacher’s voice building to a frenzied climax. The effect is both unsettling and exhilarating, as Reich’s use of repetition and layering creates a sense of disorientation and timelessness.
2. Piano Phase
Steve Reich’s “Piano Phase” is a minimalist masterpiece that explores the concept of phase shifting through the repetition of a simple melodic phrase. The piece is performed on two pianos, with one pianist gradually increasing their tempo while the other stays constant, resulting in a rhythmic and harmonic interplay that is both intricate and hypnotic.
The opening phrase is repeated over and over again, with subtle variations in timing and accentuation creating a constantly shifting pattern. As the two pianos drift in and out of phase with each other, the listener is drawn into a world of intricate rhythms and harmonies that are at once complex and mesmerizing.
As the piece progresses, the tempo and intensity of the pianos build to a climax, before gradually slowing down and fading away. The effect is both thrilling and calming, as the listener is taken on a journey through the subtle nuances of sound and rhythm that define Reich’s unique musical style.
3. Drumming
Steve Reich’s “Drumming” is a landmark work of minimalist music, which showcases the composer’s fascination with rhythm and repetition. The piece is structured around a series of interlocking rhythms played on a variety of percussion instruments, including bongos, marimbas, and glockenspiels.
As the piece progresses, the rhythms gradually shift and evolve, with subtle variations in tempo and instrumentation creating a constantly changing soundscape. The effect is both mesmerizing and exhilarating, as the listener is drawn deeper into the intricate rhythms and harmonies of the music.
“Drumming” is a testament to Reich’s ability to create complex and sophisticated music out of the simplest of materials, and it remains a landmark work of minimalist music to this day.
4. Music for 18 Musicians
Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” is a masterpiece of minimalist music, which showcases the composer’s ability to create complex and intricate soundscapes out of a limited set of musical materials. The piece is structured around a series of interlocking melodic patterns, which are played by a group of 18 musicians.
As the piece progresses, the patterns gradually shift and evolve, with subtle variations in timing and accentuation creating a constantly changing musical landscape. The effect is both hypnotic and captivating, as the listener is drawn deeper into the intricacies of the music.
“Music for 18 Musicians” is a testament to Reich’s mastery of minimalist music, and it remains one of the most important works in the genre to this day.
5. Tehillim
Steve Reich’s “Tehillim” is a powerful and emotive work, which draws on the composer’s interest in Jewish music and culture. The piece is structured around a series of melodic fragments, which are drawn from the Hebrew psalms.
As the piece progresses, the melodic fragments are gradually layered and developed, with Reich’s use of polyrhythms and shifting harmonies creating a rich and complex musical landscape. The effect is both uplifting and meditative, as the listener is drawn into a world of intricate rhythms and harmonies.
“Tehillim” is a testament to Reich’s ability to create emotionally powerful music that draws on a wide range of influences, and it remains a landmark work in the minimalist canon.
6. The Desert Music
Steve Reich’s “The Desert Music” is a stunning work of minimalist music that draws inspiration from the poetry of William Carlos Williams. The piece is structured around a series of text fragments, which are set to a rich and complex musical landscape.
Reich’s use of layered rhythms and shifting harmonies creates a sense of vastness and space, evoking the vast, open landscape of the American Southwest. The effect is both mesmerizing and exhilarating, as the listener is drawn into a world of intricate rhythms and harmonies.
“The Desert Music” is a testament to Reich’s ability to create emotionally powerful music that draws on a wide range of influences, and it remains one of his most celebrated works to this day.
7. Different Trains
Steve Reich’s “Different Trains” is a groundbreaking work that explores the relationship between memory, history, and music. The piece is structured around a series of recorded spoken fragments, which are manipulated and interwoven with a musical landscape.
The spoken fragments are drawn from interviews with Holocaust survivors and others who experienced the impact of World War II, and they are set against a rich and complex musical backdrop. Reich’s use of layered rhythms and shifting harmonies creates a sense of tension and unease, evoking the emotional intensity of the subject matter.
“Different Trains” is a powerful and emotive work that draws on Reich’s interest in history and his ability to create emotionally powerful music. It remains a landmark work in the minimalist canon.
8. Three Tales
“Three Tales” is a multimedia work that combines music, video, and storytelling to explore the impact of technology on human society. The piece is structured around three distinct tales, which are accompanied by a rich and complex musical landscape.
Reich’s use of layered rhythms and shifting harmonies creates a sense of urgency and unease, reflecting the themes of the stories and the impact of technology on human life. The multimedia elements of the work, including video and live performance, add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the piece.
“Three Tales” is a testament to Reich’s ability to push the boundaries of music and multimedia art, and it remains a landmark work in his oeuvre.
9. Double Sextet
“Double Sextet” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work by Steve Reich that is written for two sextets: flute, clarinet, violin, cello, vibraphone, and piano. The piece is constructed around a series of interlocking rhythmic patterns that are performed by the two sextets in tandem.
Reich’s use of layered rhythms and harmonies creates a sense of perpetual motion, with the musical patterns shifting and evolving over the course of the piece. The effect is mesmerizing and hypnotic, drawing the listener into a world of intricate rhythms and melodies.
“Double Sextet” is a stunning example of Reich’s ability to create complex, emotionally powerful music that pushes the boundaries of traditional classical music. The piece is both challenging and rewarding, and it remains a celebrated work in the minimalist canon.
10. Radio Rewrite
“Radio Rewrite” is a work by Steve Reich that draws inspiration from two songs by the British rock band Radiohead: “Jigsaw Falling into Place” and “Everything in Its Right Place.” The piece is structured around a series of interlocking rhythmic patterns and harmonies that are based on the chord progressions and melodies of the two songs.
Reich’s use of repetition and layering creates a sense of continuity between the original songs and the new work, while his unique minimalist approach gives the piece a distinct character and emotional depth. The result is a work that is both innovative and deeply engaging, with a sound that is both familiar and new.
“Radio Rewrite” is a testament to Reich’s ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of musical sources and to create emotionally powerful works that challenge and inspire. It remains a celebrated work in his oeuvre and a testament to his ongoing relevance and influence in contemporary music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
