Composer

:

Steve Reich

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2005

Average_duration

:

29:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Daniel Variations is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Steve Reich. It was composed in 2006 and premiered on April 19, 2006, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The piece is dedicated to the memory of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. The composition consists of five movements, each of which is based on a different text. The texts are taken from various sources, including the Book of Daniel, the Psalms, and the writings of Daniel Pearl. The movements are titled "I saw a dream," "My name is Daniel Pearl," "At the still point," "I sure hope Gabriel likes my music, when the day is done," and "We will continue." The music of Daniel Variations is characterized by Reich's signature style of minimalism, which involves the repetition and gradual evolution of simple musical patterns. The piece features a small ensemble of instruments, including two pianos, two vibraphones, two clarinets, and a string quartet. The ensemble is augmented by recorded voices, which recite the texts that inspired each movement. The first movement, "I saw a dream," is based on a dream that Daniel had in the Book of Daniel. The music is characterized by a repeating pattern of chords played by the pianos and vibraphones, which gradually build in intensity. The second movement, "My name is Daniel Pearl," features a recording of Daniel Pearl's voice, in which he introduces himself and talks about his love of music. The music is characterized by a repeating pattern of chords played by the clarinets and string quartet, which gradually build in intensity. The third movement, "At the still point," is based on a passage from T.S. Eliot's poem "Four Quartets." The music is characterized by a repeating pattern of chords played by the pianos and vibraphones, which gradually build in intensity. The fourth movement, "I sure hope Gabriel likes my music, when the day is done," is based on a quote from Daniel Pearl's diary. The music is characterized by a repeating pattern of chords played by the clarinets and string quartet, which gradually build in intensity. The final movement, "We will continue," is based on a statement made by Daniel Pearl's father after his son's death. The music is characterized by a repeating pattern of chords played by the pianos and vibraphones, which gradually build in intensity. The movement ends with a recording of Daniel Pearl's voice, in which he says, "My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, I am Jewish." Overall, Daniel Variations is a powerful and moving tribute to the life and legacy of Daniel Pearl. The piece combines Reich's minimalist style with the poignant texts and recordings to create a work that is both musically and emotionally compelling.

More....