Phases - A Nonesuch Retrospective

MARBECKS STAFF PICK 2007 - REISSUE OF THE YEAR

Pioneer of US minimalism Steve Reich is 70 this year and to celebrate Nonesuch has released a bargain-priced 5 CD set of his greatest works including definitive recordings of "Music for 18 Musicians", "Different Trains" and "Drumming".

"Phases" opens with what is arguably Reich's signature work, 'Music For Eighteen Musicians', performed by Reich and his longtime ensemble. However, each piece here, culled from Reich's Nonesuch discography, warrants a significant spot in any overview of his career, from the semi-autobiographical, often deeply moving 'Different Trains', played by Kronos Quartet, to the rhythmically and spiritually adventurous 'You Are (Variations)', written for, and performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Among the artists and ensembles featured in this set are guitarist Pat Metheny, cellist Maya Beiser, Bang on a Can, and the London Symphony Orchestra.