Steve Reich is releasing a new album.
Pulse/Quartet collates two previously performed pieces, Quartet and Pulse. The former was performed in 2013 by the Colin Currie Group, and the latter was played in 2015 by the International Contemporary Ensemble. (Both ensembles replayed the compositions for the album.) Reich has described Quartet as one of his more complex pieces. "It frequently changes key," he says, "and often breaks off continuity to pause or take up new material. Though the parts are not unduly difficult, it calls for a high level of ensemble virtuosity." Of Pulse, a "reaction" to Quartet, Reich said: "In Pulse I felt the need to stay put harmonically and spin out smoother wind and string melodic lines in canon over a constant pulse in the electric bass and or piano. [...] All in all, a calmer more contemplative piece."
Pulse/Quartet, Reich's 24th album for the classical label Nonesuch, is out February 2nd, with the vinyl due March 30th.
Listen to our RA Exchange with Reich.
Listen to "Quartet: III. Fast."
Tracklist
01. Pulse
02. Quartet: I. Fast
03. Quartet: II. Slow
04. Quartet: III. Fast
Nonesuch will release Pulse/Quartet on February 2nd, 2018.