Minimal Tendencies [Import]

Steve Reich (Composer), Philip Glass (Composer), Gavin Bryars (Composer), Michael Nyman (Composer), Terry Riley (Composer), Delta Saxophone Quartet (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Delta Saxophone Quartet
• Composer: Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, Terry Riley
• Audio CD (February 15, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Clarinet Classics
• ASIN: B00000I59C
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #381,069 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. New York Counterpoint, for clarinet, bass clarinet & tape: 1.

2. New York Counterpoint, for clarinet, bass clarinet & tape: 2.

3. New York Counterpoint, for clarinet, bass clarinet & tape: 3.

4. Mishima, film score

5. Mishima, film score

6. Mishima, film score

7. Mishima, film score

8. Mishima, film score

9. Mishima, film score

10. Alaric I or II, for 4 saxophones

11. Songs for Tony

12. Songs for Tony

13. Songs for Tony

14. Songs for Tony

15. Tread on the Trail, for unspecified performers

Editorial Reviews

compact disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An all-around great purchase, April 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Minimal Tendencies (Audio CD)

It's often hard to find recordings which feature a number of so-called minimalist composers, so right off the bat this disc scores in a big way. I originally purchased this CD for the new version of Glass' 3rd string quartet (here played as a sax quartet), but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the other pieces.

Steve Reich's New York Counterpoint is truly one of his masterpieces, and Michael Nyman's Songs for Tony would certainly be a good introduction to his quirky style. For me, the winning track on this disc is Gavin Bryar's Alaric I or II. Prior to purchasing this recording, I had not heard any of Bryar's work, but this piece instantly put him in my favorite composers list. The piece takes minimalism into new territory with its use of multiphonics and by conveying the minimalist aesthetic without being overly redundant. Both of these aspects make this piece approachable by the conservative twelve-tone and atonal academic composers of our time.

The Delta Saxophone Quartet's rendition of Glass' string quartet is truly inspiring (although some tempos stray a little too far from the original recording). This CD is a must-have for those who like Glass' music, and it might just open you up to some other great composers as well.