Steve Reich's "Tehillim / The Desert Music" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde classical music, released in 2011 under the Cantaloupe Music label. This album offers a unique blend of sacred and secular themes, divided into two distinct yet complementary works. The first half, "Tehillim," is a setting of ancient Hebrew texts from the Book of Psalms, showcasing Reich's signature rhythmic complexity and harmonic richness. The second half, "The Desert Music," is inspired by the poetry of William Carlos Williams, evoking the vast and stark landscapes of the American Southwest through its dynamic shifts in tempo and texture. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a testament to Reich's innovative compositional style and his ability to create deeply engaging musical experiences. Fans of minimalism and avant-garde classical music will find much to appreciate in this compelling double bill.
2011 Cantaloupe Music2011 Cantaloupe Music
Tracks
Tehillim: I. Psalm 19:2-5, "Hashamyim mehsapehrim kavohd Kail"Steve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
Tehillim: II. Psalm 34:13-15, "Mihaish heychahfaytz chayyim"Steve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
Tehillim: III. Psalm 18:26-27, "Imchahsid, titchahsahd"Steve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
Tehillim: IV. Psalm 150:4-6, "Halleluhu batof umachol"Steve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: I. FastSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: II. ModerateSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: III. Pt. I: SlowSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: III. Pt. II: ModerateSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: III. Pt. III: SlowSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: IV. ModerateSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
The Desert Music: V. FastSteve Reich, Alarm Will Sound, Ossia, Alan Pierson
Vinylscout