Colin Currie Group Honors Steve Reich with New Album 'The Sextets'
The Colin Currie Group has released their fourth album dedicated to the works of minimalist composer Steve Reich, titled The Sextets, on Currie's own label, Colin Currie Records. This album serves as a dual celebration, commemorating both the ensemble's two-decade legacy and Reich's 90th birthday this year.
A Legacy of Minimalist Mastery
Formed 20 years ago to perform Drumming for Reich's 70th birthday, the Colin Currie Group has established itself as a specialist ensemble in interpreting the composer's intricate patterns. The new album continues this tradition with a focus on Reich's sextet compositions, showcasing the group's expertise in delivering precise and nuanced performances.
Track-by-Track Highlights
The album features three key works, each highlighting different aspects of Reich's minimalist style:
- Sextet (1985): This piece involves two keyboardists on piano and synthesisers, alongside four percussionists handling marimbas, vibraphones, bass drums, crotales, sticks, and tam-tams. The interlocking patterns unfold with Swiss-watch precision across a fast-slow-fast-slow-fast structure. Currie's recording stands out for its naturalistic sound, with less close miking compared to Reich's original versions, allowing subtle nuances to shine through.
- Six Marimbas (1986): A rescoring of Reich's 1973 work Six Pianos, this track features two marimbas that dynamically rise and fall in volume within the canonical textures of the other four. Its exuberant spirit and woody tones create an easily accessible auditory experience. Currie adopts a relaxed approach, extending the performance to 22 minutes—significantly longer than Reich's 16-minute rendition—resulting in an enjoyably chilled feel.
- Double Sextet (2007): Composed for six instrumentalists performing against a recording of themselves, this is one of Reich's most hypnotic works. The Colin Currie Group delivers it with plenty of dynamic niceties, enhancing its immersive quality. Additionally, the album includes Dance Patterns, written for choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, serving as an attractive makeweight that complements the main selections.
Artistic Approach and Impact
Under Colin Currie's direction, the ensemble emphasizes a chilled and nuanced interpretation of Reich's compositions. The album's naturalistic recording techniques and relaxed tempos offer a fresh perspective on these minimalist classics, making it a must-listen for fans of classical and contemporary music alike. This release not only celebrates Reich's enduring influence but also solidifies the Colin Currie Group's reputation as leading interpreters of his work.
