Writings About Music

Writings About Music collects essays and notes by minimalist composer Steve Reich, documenting his musical philosophy and creative process from 1963-1974. The book serves as both manifesto and technical manual for Reich's pioneering work in phase shifting, tape loops, and process music. Reich outlines his compositional techniques in detail, including the development of pieces like "It's Gonna Rain" and "Come Out." The text incorporates musical notation, diagrams, and specific instructions that illuminate how Reich constructed his signature works. Through these writings, Reich articulates his vision of music that embraces gradual processes and perceptible structures. His essays address influences from African drumming to baroque counterpoint, while rejecting both traditional Western harmony and avant-garde improvisation. The collection presents Reich's minimalism as a radical departure from both classical and experimental traditions, emphasizing the composer's focus on clarity, discipline and sustained attention. These texts establish the theoretical foundation for a movement that would transform contemporary classical music.

Readers appreciate Reich's clear explanations of his compositional processes and musical philosophy, with many noting the technical yet accessible writing style. Multiple reviewers highlight the book's insights into Reich's landmark works like "Music for 18 Musicians" and "It's Gonna Rain." Several readers cite the slim length (78 pages) as a drawback, wanting more depth and detail. A few note that some essays feel dated or overly academic. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (135 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Review excerpts: "Concise look into Reich's creative mind and methods" - Goodreads reviewer "Too brief - leaves you wanting more explanation of his later works" - Amazon reviewer "Valuable primary source for understanding minimalism's development" - Goodreads reviewer "Dense academic language in parts makes it less accessible" - Amazon reviewer The book remains in print but is difficult to find at standard retail prices. Used copies frequently sell for $50-100.

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🎵 Steve Reich wrote this collection of essays in 1974 when he was 38 years old, offering rare first-hand insights into his pioneering minimalist compositions during their developmental period. 🎼 The book contains Reich's influential essay "Music as a Gradual Process," which became a foundational text for the minimalist music movement and continues to inspire composers today. 🎹 Reich discusses his groundbreaking tape loop pieces "It's Gonna Rain" and "Come Out," explaining how accidental phase shifting between two identical recordings led to his signature compositional technique. 🌟 The slim volume (only 78 pages) was the first book published by the Press of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and original copies are now rare collectors' items. 🎭 Reich's writings reveal his diverse influences, from African drumming to Balinese gamelan music, and demonstrate how he incorporated these elements into Western classical composition, helping create a new musical language.