Minimalism

Minimalism is hypnotic, it stops time and requires not attention rom the listener so much as creative inattention. Minimalists use one idea to expound hours of ideas, motives, and sound. Like the postal workers in Africa, Minimalism moves time for us, by entrancing us. 


Steve Reich is not quite in the same vein. Learning about him was an experience in itself. The first fact that struck me was his parents divorce and subsequent locations, where Reich's time was divided between California and New York. I found myself imagining a kid going from coast to coast, this beginning when Reich was one! In any case, Reich more or less stumbled into music, stating that "I drove a cab in San Francisco, and in New York I worked as a part-time social worker. Phil Glass and I had a moving company for a short period of time. I did all kinds of odd jobs ... I started making a living as a performer in my own ensemble. I would never have thought that it was how I was going to survive financially. It was a complete wonder." 


Reich has had an amazing musical career. Studying with Persichetti, even taking the time to study drumming in Ghana. A Cornell grad, Reich wasn't even primarily interested in music or composition, earning his degree in Philosophy. His musical upbringing was rather narrow. He was not exposed to music before 1750 or after 1900 for quite some time. Today he is world renowned, performing works in London, Japan, even Australia. 


An amazing musician, Reich's impact on American music is yet to be seen, but he promises to be influential for generations to come. With his unique ideas about sound and motion, it is an exciting time to watch the growth and change that will occur as a result of his music.