Celebrating Steve Reich: Colin Currie Group's Tribute with "Sextet"

The Colin Currie Group has released a new album titled "Sextet," celebrating the 90th birthday of renowned American composer Steve Reich. This album marks the group's fourth collaboration with Reich's works, showcasing their dedication to his minimalist compositions over the past two decades.

The Guardian

Formed 20 years ago, the Colin Currie Group initially came together to honor Reich's 70th birthday with a performance of his seminal piece, "Drumming." The group's ongoing commitment to Reich's music reflects their deep appreciation for his contributions to contemporary classical music.

The Guardian

"Sextet," originally composed in 1985, features a unique arrangement with two keyboardists playing piano and synthesizers, complemented by four percussionists utilizing marimbas, vibraphones, bass drums, crotales, sticks, and tam-tams. The album is characterized by Reich's signature shifting patterns, which interlock with precision, creating a dynamic listening experience. Currie's interpretation offers subtle nuances and a naturalistic sound, diverging from the more closely mic'd recordings typical of Reich's earlier works.

The Guardian

In addition to "Sextet," the album includes "Six Marimbas," a reimagining of "Six Pianos" from 1973. This piece showcases the interplay of volume dynamics among the marimbas, resulting in a rich auditory texture. Currie's approach to this piece is notably relaxed, extending its duration to 22 minutes compared to Reich's original 16-minute version.

The Guardian

The album also features "Double Sextet," composed in 2007, where six instrumentalists perform alongside a recording of themselves, creating a hypnotic effect. Additionally, "Dance Patterns," written for choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, serves as an attractive complement to the album.

The Guardian

Colin Currie expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the joy of revisiting Reich's works and the group's evolution over the years. He noted that the album reflects a blend of precision and expressiveness, capturing the essence of Reich's minimalist style.

The Guardian

While the album has been well-received, some critics may argue that Currie's more relaxed interpretations could diverge from the intensity often associated with Reich's original compositions. This perspective suggests a potential debate on the balance between innovation and fidelity to the composer's intent.

The Guardian

• “Currie’s recording flickers with subtle nuances with a naturalistic sound less closely mic’d than in Reich’s own classic accounts.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “Exuberant in spirit, its woody tones fall easily on the ear.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “Currie’s relaxed approach – he takes 22 minutes where Reich drives it home in 16 – feels enjoyably chilled.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

As the Colin Currie Group continues to celebrate Steve Reich's legacy, future projects may include further explorations of his works and collaborations with contemporary artists, further enriching the dialogue around minimalist music.

The Guardian