Warner CD - Steve Reich - Different Trains - I Before The War

Hi, I'm Jean-Charles.
I'm a music lover, but you probably guessed that if you're here.
I am proud to be a "Ch'ti". For those who don't know, it means I come from Northern France, a land known for its values of human warmth, simplicity, and friendliness. That said, I was "adopted" by the Jura region. It was there, through the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors, that I discovered classical music from a fascinating angle that deeply left its mark on me.
I love the diversity of music and cultures. I have a special affection for the recorder, opera, piano, zither, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, pan flute, and harmonica.
My goal here, through my reposts, is to offer you a journey through time and space.
In this regard, I want to express my immense respect for Pandora Records. Founded by Al Goldstein, this visionary label chose, after ceasing operations, to release its entire back catalog under an open license. A large part of the tracks I share here comes from this invaluable archive. Thanks to their generosity, we can rediscover these historical interpretations (often on period instruments) that might otherwise have been forgotten.
Thank you all for the talent you share here.
Wishing you great listening and happy discoveries!
Check out my other specialized pages:
GO WITH THE WIND - Recorder / Blockflote / Flûte à bec : (@go-with-the-wind)
HARP and ZITHER - Harp, Kannel, Kantele, Gusli, Zither... : (@zither-et-cetra)

Writer in love with music and contemporary dance.

"The London Steve Reich Ensemble is an outstanding group of young musicians.
They have a superb feel for how to play my music. Their performances pulse with life" Steve Reich

The London Steve Reich Ensemble is the only group in the world that composer Steve Reich has allowed use of his name besides his own group. Founded and led by the artistic visions of Vincent Corver & Kevin Griffiths. Pianist/CEO and Conductor/Artistic Director.

The group came together in 2005 at the Royal Academy of Music in London, receiving immediate high acclaim from the Academy itself for its impeccable performances in the first year of its existence. The LSRE has moved forward in the years, performing throughout Europe’s renowned venues such as the London Duke’s Hall, Tonhalle Zurich, KKL Lucerne, Schönbergsaal The Hague, Cheltenham Festival UK and many others.

The LSRE received the Diapason D’Or Award for its first CD under the CPO label, only 2 years later being contracted under Warner Classics (Formally: EMI Classics) for its second CD. The CD includes the string ensemble pieces Triple Quartet and Different Trains by Reich, conducted by Kevin Griffiths for acoustic ensemble. The CD also features the World Premiere arrangement of the 1973 work “Six Pianos” by Steve Reich, now released under the new name “Piano Counterpoint” in 2012. A work that received its World Premiere Performance on The Pearl – Qatar in December 2012, by Vincent Corver, who was personally commissioned by Reich to make the arrangement. In January 2013 the work was taken into the official hire-library of the music publisher Boosey & Hawkes. Various global premiere performances are due throughout 2015 and 2016.

The Ensemble has set new ways in the collaboration with the London Royal Ballet, and the choreographer William Tuckett. A new world premiere choreography has been set for 2016. 

The London Steve Reich Ensemble is known for performing not only Steve Reich, but programming his music alongside other repertoire, complimenting the music of Reich. The performances are recognized by international critics for their intense vitality and precision, whilst keeping the natural flow of sound and where the repeat is not performed as a repeat, but as a micro incremental development.

Steve Reich's style of composition has been hugely influential to many composers and musical groups. He is also equated as the Andy Warhol of classical music. Described by The Guardian as one of "a handful of living composers who can legitimately claim to have altered the direction of musical history". Many critics including Kyle Gann quoted "may...be considered, by general acclamation, America's greatest living composer".

Quando eu morrer batam em latas,
Rompam aos saltos e aos pinotes,
Façam estalar no ar chicotes,
Chamem palhaços e acrobatas!

Que o meu caixão vá sobre um burro
Ajaezado à andaluza...
A um morto nada se recusa,
Eu quero por força ir de burro.

Mário de Sá-Carneiro