STEVE REICH AT 75
Barbican, 15 October 2011
What better way to start a blog than with a musical milestone... Steve Reich’s 75th birthday concert at the Barbican.
The composer himself turned out for the celebrations, taking to the stage in his trademark baseball cap to perform his 1972 hand-clapping duet Clapping Music. Reich made the relentless rhythmic drive look effortless, but the intense concentration etched on the face of his duet partner Neil Percy told a different story. As the short work came to a close, it was followed - rather ironically given the title - by rapturous applause.
Once Reich had left the stage all eyes were on Kristjan Järvi, who took to the podium to conduct two orchestral works - The Four Sections and Three Movements. Despite being wedged between two pianos, percussion and speakers, Järvi skilfully held both pieces together, while the LSO players imbued the music with unbridled energy.
After some last-minute practise during the interval, the orchestra returned to the stage for The Desert Music - bolstered by singers from Synergy Vocals. The eighties work felt as fresh as ever thanks to the glorious unfolding harmonies and a polished performance. From the glittery tops of the singers to the blurring mallets of the percussionists, the piece was mesmerising.
As the music came to an end, Reich returned to the stage for a bow with the orchestra - receiving cheers, applause and a standing ovation from the audience. A fitting end to a delightful 75th birthday bash.
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