Electric Counterpoint By Reich Flashcards
What are the feature of minimalism? (There are 6)
1) the repetition of simple ideas with small changes introduced gradually over time
2) melodies slowly built up through the process of note addition
3) layered textures
4) diatonic harmony
5) slow harmonic rhythm
6) little variety in instrumentation
What is minimalism?
Minimalism is a style if music developed in the late 1960s as a reaction against the complexity of modernist music.
Who is Steve Reich?
Reich is an American composer who is still alive today. His work shows such diverse influences as African drumming, Hebrew chant and gamelan music. Some of his early performances were greeted with much controversy
Name two other minimalist composers
Philip Glass and John Adams
Who was electric counterpoint written for?
It was written for the famous jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, who gave the fist performance of the work in 1987.
What movement of electric counterpoint are we studying and what is the rest of the piece like?
Electric counterpoint is in 3 movements which follow a typical fast-slow-fast pattern. We are studying the third movement.
Extended answer:
Instrumentation
- this movement is for live guitar, accompanied by parts for 7 guitars and 2 bass guitars that have been pre-recorded (although this can be played live)
- the live guitar part is amplified to blend in well with the backing tape.
Extended answer:
Structure
The movement builds up in three layers:
1) a syncopated quaver motif is introduced in the live in the live guitar and top four guitar parts, one at a time.
2) a new syncopated quaver motif is next introduced in the bass guitars
3) a more sustained motif, built around 3 chords, begins in the live guitar part and is then transferred to other parts
After all 3 layers have been built up layers 2 and 3 fade out together, leaving later 1 to continue until it comes to rest on a held chord
