Steve Reich- Phasing and Clapping music

Question 1

How did Steve Reich come up with the idea of phasing?

Answer 1

He noted the hypnotic effect of two tape loops playing at the same time but at slightly different speeds meaning that the loops synced with each other (were in phase) or were not in sync with each other (were out of phase).

Question 2

What was the first of the phasing pieces?

Answer 2

It’s Gonna Rain (1965)

Question 3

Reich then moved the idea of phasing to instrumental timbres in what piece?

Answer 3

Clapping Music (1972)

Question 4

In what work can resultant melodies clearly be heard?

Answer 4

Piano Phase (1967)

Question 5

Did Reich compose resultant melodies?

Answer 5

No, they occur as a result of the loops coming in and out of phase.

Question 6

Describe Clapping music.

Answer 6

Both parts begin clapping in unison. Each time the players move to a new bar, the second player shifts the rhythm one quaver to the left. New resultant rhythms are heard until the rhythm returns back into phase in the final bar