Back in 2017, Steve Reich invited the Colin Currie Group to perform in Paris as part of his “Being Modern: the MoMA in Paris” exhibition at the prestigious Fondation Louis Vuitton. The concert was filmed for Medici TV, who have now re-released the film in celebration of Steve Reich’s birthday this weekend.

The group was joined on-stage by Reich himself for a performance of Clapping Music, followed by his Quartet for Two Pianos and Two Vibraphones and, finally, Drumming, which beautifully spotlights Reich’s technique of phase music—a playhouse for the musicians’ incredible energy and jaw-dropping precision that plays uncannily on the ear as multiple nearly identical motifs cycle in and out of rhythm. The evening concludes with an interview with the composer, who offers up bits of wisdom gleaned over the decades and a captivating glimpse at his rich artistic vision.

At its original broadcast, the concert was described as “at once exhilarating and contrasting” by Musikzen, and “an exceptionally strong program through these great, adventurous pieces” by Opus Klassiek, with BBC Music Magazine adding “Reich played by Reich experts…The live recording lifts the drama – you feel right on the edge of every beat”.

Watch the concert now on Medici TV

 

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