LONDON SINFONIETTA SYNERGY VOCALS
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Thurs 14 Feb
American composer Steve Reich has consistently teased the boundaries of normal, constantly striving to develop experimental techniques that have moulded modern minimal classical music. With the selection of work being performed by the world-renowned London Sinfonietta, and led by acclaimed composer Andrew Gourlay, there’s no doubt the night is in for a note-perfect experience.
With a sonic smorgasbord of a programme, St David’s Hall seems set to be treated to a showcase of Reich’s most influential and well-received works of the past few decades. No piece showcases Reich’s experimental tendencies better than Clapping Music, an experimental percussion piece released in 1972, performed entirely through the medium of applause, and will serve as a fitting introduction to the rest of the night. Next on the bill is Mallet Quartet in three movements: a warm score of varying pace, performed in its original configuration of two marimbas and two vibraphones. Finally, a short performance of Nagoya Marimbas – similar in timbre to the former piece, but with more emphasis on phasing, an innovative technique developed by Reich in the 70s – will bring the opening pieces to a close.
The climax of the performance will come in the form of Music For 18 Musicians, albeit a rather serene one. Truly one of the great minimalist masterpieces, with a rich balance between the piano, marimba, xylophone and clarinets, which is then to be ultimately complemented with the velvety tones of Synergy Vocals. A natural choice, for the group have had a strong relationship with Reich since their first performance; his Tehillim, which they performed for his 60th birthday in 1996. Since then, they’ve continued to bring other distinguished composers works to life, including Louis Andriessen, Luciano Berio and Steven Mackey.
Steve Reich has always demonstrated his expertise in being able to balance and blend his creative ideas with his classically trained technical prowess. The performance at St Davids Hall this month promises to be a gorgeous amalgamation of Reich’s most influential works, and will undoubtedly be a beautiful tour of his groundbreaking minimalist discography.
words Alex Payne
Tickets: £5-£25/free under-16s with an adult. Info 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
