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Steve Reich festival review – Colin Currie and the Hallé ease into the groove
The Hallé’s celebration of the 87-year-old composer, curated by percussionist Colin Currie, opened with masterly performances of his intricate works, including the shimmeringly beautiful Music for Ensemble and Orchestra
Back in the 1980s, Steve Reich abandoned writing for symphony orchestra, disheartened by conductors and classical musicians who simply didn’t get his uniquely challenging vibe. The taut concentration on the players’ faces gradually fell away as they eased into the groove, hypnotic patterns throwing up subtle variations as the piece hurtled to its rattling conclusion. Tightly corralled by Currie – a conductor with a percussionist’s instinct for meter – shimmering washes of sound and aching melodies coalesced in moments of iridescent splendour.
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