Steve Reich (b. 1936) Steve Reich, as an early pioneer in tape music and American minimalism, has established himself as one of the foremost composers of our time. Following studies in philosophy at Cornell University (1953-7), Reich turned to composition, first with Persichetti at Julliard (1958-61), then with Luciano Berio and Darius Milhaud at Mills College (1962-3). His music is characterized by a strong, steady pulse and strictly diatonic and tonal harmonies. He is typically grouped …
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…and then uses those pitches as melodic material in the accompanying instrumental ensemble. Reich's combination of repetition and process creates a music full of vitality and energy. His strict, tonal melodic style has brought Reich much critical acclaim, even in a general public that often is distrustful of "new music." As such, Reich has, in many ways, led a charge toward establishing the accessible and almost "anti-academic" diatribe of the newest developments in contemporary music