Steve Reich, the composer, notes that composers have a long history of using pre-existing music, citing the Renaissance song 'L'homme armé' as an example repurposed in over forty Mass settings.
Compositional Technique
Electric Counterpoint (1987) is a virtuosic work for multiple guitars, typically performed by one musician live against prerecorded tracks.
Compositional Technique
Steve Reich's Radio Rewrite (2012) is an 18-minute piece for flute, clarinet, two vibraphones, two pianos, electric bass, and string quartet, performed by Alarm Will Sound.
Composer Biography
Steve Reich became interested in Radiohead's music after meeting Jonny Greenwood, Radiohead's guitarist, who performed Reich's Electric Counterpoint.
Compositional Technique
Radio Rewrite is in five sections, with the fast sections based on Radiohead's 'Jigsaw Falling into Place' and the slower sections based on 'Everything in Its Right Place.'
Cultural Impact
Many musicians, including those in Radiohead, grew up listening to Steve Reich's recordings, with the Nonesuch recording of Kronos Quartet and Pat Metheny being a milestone for many.
Compositional Technique
Piano Counterpoint is an arrangement by pianist Vincent Corver of Steve Reich's Six Pianos (1973), performed by Canadian pianist Vicky Chow, for a single performer with prerecorded layers.
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