Steve Reich – Sextet / Double Sextet

Ekkozone
Mathias Reumert, conductor & percussion

Sextet (1984) 27:00
for 2 pianos/synthesizers, 2 vibraphones, 3 marimbas, crotales, 2 bass drums, and tam-tam

Double Sextet (2007) 22:55
for two identical sextets comprised of flute, clarinet, vibraphone, piano, violin and cello

mode 300 (limited edition LP)

This release couples two of Reich’s “sextets” for the first time: the Sextet of 1984 and the Pulitzer Prize winning Double Sextet of 2007, which also makes its first appearance on LP.

A striking difference between the two pieces is that the rhythmic world of Sextet mostly consists of a single-meter grooving, while Double Sextet works in the angular, off-kilter shifting meters reminiscent of Reich’s Tehillim (also of Stravinsky).

Ekkozone impart a uniquely chamber music feel and color to these works while maintaining their propulsive character.

Liner notes by Adam Sliwinski.

LP lacquers and mastering by veteran Scott Hull at Masterdisk. Plated and pressed by RTI, California.