Steve Reich Essentials

Editors’ Notes A pioneer in the movement known as minimalism, American composer Steve Reich debuted in the early '60s with a series of innovative electronic experiments. As his career progressed, Reich began to incorporate traditional African and Asian music into his compositions, layering complex polyrhythms to create trance-inducing landmarks like 1971's “Drumming” and 1976's “Music for 18 Musicians.” He's continued to explore his interest in hypnotic rhythms and sonorous melodies on works like 1988's “Different Trains” and 1995's “City Life,” blurring the line between accessibility and the avant-garde.