Steve Reich

Early Life

Steve Reich was born on October 3, 1936, in New York City to Jewish parents, June Sillman, a Broadway lyricist, and Leonard Reich. Following his parents' divorce when he was just one year old, he split his time between New York and California. Growing up, he had limited exposure to music before 1750 or after 1900, but at the age of 14, he began to study music seriously after discovering Baroque and 20th-century compositions. He studied drums to play jazz and graduated from Cornell University in 1957 with a B.A. in Philosophy, where his thesis focused on Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Career

Reich's career took off in the 1960s as he became a pioneer of minimal music. His early compositions included film soundtracks and innovative works like "It's Gonna Rain," which utilized tape loops and phase shifting. He studied composition with notable figures such as Hall Overton, William Bergsma, and Luciano Berio, and earned a master's degree at Mills College. His unique style, characterized by repetitive figures and slow harmonic rhythms, was articulated in his essay "Music as a Gradual Process." Over the years, he released numerous influential albums, including "Music for 18 Musicians" and "Drumming," solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Legacy

Reich's contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music and the Praemium Imperiale. His innovative approach has influenced a wide range of artists across genres, from John Adams to Björk. Critics have hailed him as one of America's greatest living composers, with his work continuing to resonate in both musical and visual arts. His legacy is marked by a profound impact on the direction of modern music, inspiring generations of musicians and composers.