This one-hour work from 1976 marked Steve Reich’s definitive breakthrough. In the opening minutes alone, more swirling harmonies emerge than in his entire earlier oeuvre.

Reich temporarily set aside his extreme minimalist experiments and rigid phase-shifting techniques to create a vibrant, energetic composition in which every instrument seems to claim the spotlight. From the female voices to the humming clarinets and driving percussion — everything flows together with striking transparency. The result is a hypnotic web of rhythmic pulses and refreshing melodic lines that never lose their grip on the listener.

The concert begins with an introduction by Wim Vos (Director of Asko|Schönberg) at 8:15 p.m. in the Main Hall.

Artists
Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians
Asko|Schönberg
Slagwerk Den Haag
Wishful Singing