STEVE REICH: VARIATIONS FOR WINDS, STRINGS, KEYBOARDS

Complete recording by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo De Waart in 1983 of the Steve Reich masterpiece. Available on the Philips label.

[@Musichead1968]

First time I heard this it was around about 1992 and I was driving on the M62 (the highest motorway in England and notorious for perilous driving conditions!) over Saddleworth (it's highest point) and the weather was absolutely atrocious: heavy rain and high crosswinds) then all of a sudden the dark sky cracked and the sun shone so brightly over the moors producing a rainbow in the distance. This piece was the perfect accompaniment to the sun breaking through the storm clouds and it makes me think about that journey every time I hear it. I've been a fan of Reich's music ever since. Simply beautiful.

[@reach4thesports897]

Damn, they play this kind of stuff on the radio in the U.K. or did you have a CD?

[@Musichead1968]

@@reach4thesports897 On the occasion described it was actually on cassette in my friend's Citröen CX Pallas - it was a very long time ago! To answer your question fully, this kind of stuff does get played on the radio quite often over here on BBC Radio 3. Often thought of as an anachronism these days, Radio 3 is a lot more avant garde than most people think, especially towards the late evening and its through the night programming. It's worth checking out if you can stream it in your part of the world - as I say, the more esoteric stuff like this tends to get played at night.

[@J3NS3N420]

Another Reich piece that might've worked for that scenario..."It gon' rain, it gon' rain, it gon' rain"

[@maxgregorycompositions6216]

@@reach4thesports897 Yes, on channels like Radio 3 and Classic fm. These are two UK radio stations where you'd hear something like this played.

[@reach4thesports897]

@@maxgregorycompositions6216 now that’s culture!

[@charlenetheodas224]

it feels like your soul is flying

[@MrJazzharmonie1]

My all time Steve REICH favorite...I like steve works since 50 years ....

[@lionellemoign7240]

I'm 70 and I'have just discovered this musician for 2 weeks only. What a loose of time. he is awsome !

[@rdjazzboy1944]

I too, am 70. I discovered him in my twenties when his work was new. I would also recommend Music for 18 Musicians, since you love this. Cheers.

[@hughiedavies6069]

Yeah and electric counterpoint is another beautiful piece 👌

[@mindremapping-themindsmirr3679]

Congratulations.....This is a great discovery

[@francesschaefer]

@@mindremapping-themindsmirr3679 I am 64 a musician and coming back to this, it's never too late! :-)

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

I'm only in my late twenties. Not another person or thing in sight sometimes. Enlightening myself with tons of real history the world has no idea of daily-- such as this. Art and this musical language the whole world speaks is timeless... it will outlive us all... and it will get us through life. Yet I'm alone playing it to the wind. The idea other people sharing the joy brings me a subtle sense of joy.

[@infinitepete2799]

What I love about this piece (and other minimalist works as well) is that it reverses roles, where the chords change while the ostinato remains (relatively) constant, subverting their roles in the "motion across a background" idea. I try to do this with my own electronic music, and when it works, it's spine-tingling.

[@voiceover2191]

I used to listen to this piece as a student, lying on my bed in the dark, eyes closed and just go on a journey, it was magical.

[@ROB-vq5oi]

This is sound therapy at its finest

[@cykwan8534]

I live for those brass swells. Truly incredible.

[@Nidstang68]

Back in college, i used to sleep at my girlfriend's place and, since she had to go to work early in the morning, we used to walk to the bus station when the city was still dark and asleep: cars, traffic and bystanders just starting to crowd the streets. Once she hopped on the bus, i would walk back home listening to this and other Reich's works. 6 years later, those brasses give me the chills, and deep, strong memories (including the cold morning breeze, the scent of her hair) run through my head. What a piece.

[@nancina49]

Nidstang68 beautiful images. Lovely.

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

what a great story. it really does go great with this piece. thanks for sharing

[@thomasrainbow]

You should watch a movie called Morvern Callar. I think you might like it.

[@eytonshalom]

anything that brings the scent of your lovers hair back.....

[@Ferrichrome]

Goes perfectly with the piece, thanks :D

[@tommdarg655]

this music, i have no words, its kind of liberation, a reset, new beginning, hope, a new tomorrow.

[@cnupdates]

This is life changing fr

[@NeilRaouf]

Proud to belong to the tribe of humans to which this music deeply means something ❤ have a good one brothers and sisters

[@mindremapping-themindsmirr3679]

That is a great statement, which insights that music creates belonging

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

cheers, love, health, and happy senses manifested for us all gathered in these spaces.

[@JayEssw]

back atcha!

[@belverticale]

My favourite Reich piece and for me the height of this style of minimalism...the gradually shifting complexities and the lightness of spirit...wonderful and hypnotic.

[@alegamed1]

This is it. That's when music touches parts of the human brain and soul no other medium can reach. I remember listening to this piece many years ago when facing challenging personal times. This music came to rescue me. It's amazingly powerful in elevating and broadening your life's perception.

[@karmineka]

This is a hit!

[@alexorlando6600]

This is the New Baroque. Automaton.

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

this has a "feel", an actual touch sense, to the vibration. the actual arrangement is positioned expertly... it's beyond most of our knowledge how mystical and futuristic this. no words can convey how sad the world is without it.

[@ryanhepburn2583]

A piece that should get FAR more performances than it does; unique among even Reich's own catalogue of works.

[@workpine9195]

Feels so good after a long time

[@paulewingmusic]

You may have heard of Philip Glass - but Steve Reich is the master. Love his use of synths. Other great composers like Max Richter following suit now. But Steve will always take you to unexplored places in YOUR OWN MIND.

[@francesschaefer]

totally agree Phillip Glass never has grabbed me the way S Reich has~I am a prof musician (pianist) piece Six pianos first heard it ca 1982-83 when I was in grad school, big comp/theory dept there, just GRABBED me then!

[@zendvd]

Heard this for the first time in the Title Sequence of the film, "The Humans" Beautiful piece.

[@GaudinSax]

You know those 2 seconds of that high school band chart you loved when you were younger? That perfect 3/4 note motif over that one perfect chord? That is what listening to this composition feels like. Absolutely chilling.

[@parzooman]

Steve Reich simply transcends everyone else in the genre of Minimalism.

[@seeling_hds]

Philip Glass comes close

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

@@seeling_hds Indeed he does... but Arvo Pärt comes even closer for me (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaGVoKuNmbeAq80). Both him and Reich have a way to connect to my emotions directly and elevate me like few musicians/composers do in minimalism or other genres. But I agree with Paul that Reich transcends everyone else in minimalism.

[@thomasanderson6879]

I can't agree: it's John Adams for me. But I love this piece.

[@rr7firefly]

@@thomasanderson6879 I agree with you 100%. In the end it may be about specific pieces by Reich or Adams. Some tracks on Philip Glass's "1000 Airplanes on the Roof" are wonderful listening. Maybe the one called "Labyrinth" and the two that follow it. But I can O-D on Glass fairly quickly. In the past year I discovered Salonen's orchestral compositions.

[@thomasanderson6879]

@@rr7firefly I'll have a listen to some of Salonen's works. Thanks for the tip. Yes, both Glass and Reich write music that can be wonderful and in the case of Glass often cathartic, but like you I can quickly tire of them. I've been listening to some of Adams' pieces for over twenty years and they still sound fresh and inspiring (Harmonielehre, Common Tones in Simple Time and Fearful Symmetries are personal favourites). The Big Three have all carved out their own musical niches and complement each other very well.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

I used to fall into bed, and listen to late night radio. No matter how terrible my day had been, the soothing voice of John Schaefer (sp?) and the wonderful, mind opening music he played always reassured me that there was a world beyond the troubles and challeges I was facing. Such is the power of new music...to take us to places we might consider going....

[@theforgottenhero8515]

Memory and emotion as one! Thank you mr. Reich.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

Loved this since I came cross it in '84. It feels like you're five again. Or maybe REALLY young, and it's the first time you looked up and saw the sky. It's all there, as are you. Maybe it will be the same when we are in the presence of our creator who only desires us as we do him. "and there will be no more time" Rev 10. . That said, man do the oboes kick the groove on this.

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

Wishing great health and wellness to you. As only a new student of this kind of music, it's inspiring to know like minds are everywhere.

[@singlesideman]

When I was a composition and voice student at Berklee in Boston I enjoyed many a repeat play of this piece in my Walkman, in 1988. I can still see the snowflakes spiralling as I walked between Trinity Church and the John Hancock Tower, mesmerized, transfixed, transported by the reflection of the church and the snowflakes in the stunning, reverential, reflective edifice...

[@thatcanadiangrandma]

Todd Merrell i live for moments like you've just described, and i can completely relate to your state at the time, even if i don't know anythng of you.... The soundtrack of our lives,, always composing itself....Like now, ive listened to Proverbs by Reich while sitting outside, and remembering happier days. How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life...

[@yamielsuarez6472]

that path is very familiar to me

[@eric5906]

Ur intelligent, thoughtful description drew an amazing picture in my mind of standing in a forest as the sun sets, watching the flakes drifting down, people laughing, nature...wow.

[@eoinoneill91]

Beautifuly written. A wonderfully constructed passage.

[@betterthantelly2993]

Stop being so artistic please dull your sense and obey the dark master!

[@michaelfitzgerald1865]

Without a doubt and by far my favorite piece by Reich. It generates a certain interior calmness as if I have turned away and isolated myself from a frantic world. I feel I am just observing the world, not participating, but disconnecting and giving my soul a moment to itself. I regret I only have one like to give. Dislikes are obviously those without a clue.

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

I feel the same way about it. My favorite by far from him although I have a soft spot for Music for a Large Ensemble and Octet as these are the first two pieces of his I heard. But this one moves and elevates me like few pieces of music in any genres can.

[@kotarookada2166]

One of my favorites too though I can see why Steve Reich himself is not too fond of this piece.

[@m.k.styllinski2452]

So beautiful.

[@Ellende]

We played this in our studio for nights on end.

[@sharonhallshipp6011]

First time listening to this. Magnificent.

[@lightyagami1058]

_"'Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards' (1979) introduces new harmonic, formal and timbre material into my music. The constant yet slow harmonic change (there are no repeat markings in this score), the slow recurrence of materials form variation to variation, and the scoring for oboes, flutes, full brass, strings, acoustic and electric keyboards, all give this piece a sound quite different from my earlier music._ _These variations are on a harmonic progression somewhat in the manner of chaconne, but with a considerably longer harmonic progression than the four or eight bar progressions customarily found in the chaconne. The progression begins in C minor (or C dorian) and works its way via several keys into C-flat, enharmonically to B, and then, by gradually dropping sharps or adding flats, moves slowly back to C minor (or C dorian). These are three variations on the complete cycle lasting approximately six, ten and nine minutes each. The harmonic progression is followed in the middle register so that from time to time the bass may vary from variation to variation. The rhythm of the melodic patterns in the winds remains more or less constant throughout each variation, while the notes slowly, yet constantly, change to match the changing harmony. In the first variation the rhythmic pattern for the winds is two bars long, changing meters back and forth between 6/4 and 5/4. The second variation begins as two bars of alternating 5/4 and 6/4 and, after about a minute, changes into two bars of 8/4, each divided into five plus three. The final variation pattern is four bars long, changing meters 4/4, 6/4, 4/4 and 3/4 Since the first variation uses only quarter and eighth notes, while the second and third introduce an increasing amount of sixteenths, the effect is one of becoming more and florid and melismatic._ _At all times throughout the piece there are at least two wind instruments playing the melodic pattern in harmony with each other, while a third plays in cannon with the upper voice. The winds, three oboes doubled by electric organs, or three flutes doubled by two pianos and electric organs, play the melodic material throughout, while the slowly changing harmonies are played by the strings also doubled by electric organs. During the first and last variation a full brass section of three trumpets, three trombones and tuba gradually fade in and out, to complete the harmony of the middle register strings and organs."_ -Steve Reich

[@laphilosophiecommediscours3414]

if only I knew music theory

[@birgitbofarull4410]

Thank you

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

genius. thank you for saving us the search. wishing health upon you.

[@makucevich]

It is very gratifying to read the comments here about this piece and the composer whose works I have loved for over forty years. Intelligent, insightful and positive.

[@milkmanswife93696]

underrated. one of my favourites of his

[@billtomson5791]

I first heard this at the end of a late-night music program on CBC called "Brave New Waves" hosted by a wonderful man named Brent Bambury, in the late '80s or early 90s, and it remains my favorite work in orchestral minimalism. Thank you, Brent.

[@JohannesGeworkianHellman]

I love it so much! Listening to this makes me grateful for beling alive, just to experiencing this. Amazing Steve.. who gave us so much through his music!

[@COOLBEANSOFFICIAL]

Magical, gorgeous atmosphere. Steve Reich is a genius.

[@bathtubbarracuda2581]

I've always loved the "dephasing" effect in Reich's music, it really brought back the kind of things I would wonder about concerning my perception of sounds when I was a kid, and I thought that effect was very strange and even scary

[@cabassutchristian7965]

unbelievable💕💕💕💕

[@AbellaTeacher]

My 9-year-old refers to this CD as her "Calm Music." She loves it!

[@alsaulso1332]

awwe!! start them young on good music!!

[@marcsmith7789]

I completely agree with your kid! This is definitely my calm music too. I used to work at my university's library in the media center during the closing night shifts. I would often put this piece on. Fond memories of my quiet time working there.

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Fantastic, she must be 10 now and more than ready for Steve's 6 Marimbas. Good luck.

[@70good91]

raising them right.

[@harrymuhammad9835]

CD'S !

[@a.whatfish8217]

I first heard this on cassete around 1985 and gave it to my aged mother who still listens to it and loves it, as do I.

[@brianwilkins4438]

Andre 3000 brought me here. Thank you Mr. 3000!😀😀😀. I have found a new home.

[@dude3049]

The pictures are a perfect depiction of what this feels like. A sublime feeling, as if you're watching the stars moving across the sky and the universe in dynamic motion, the planets orbiting the stars and the clouds in the sky changing shape.

[@ikurasake]

I swell with emotion as I play this at peak volume. It is pure magic. Thank you Steve Reich ;_;

[@paulm8473]

I just told my long-time partner that I wanted this piece played at my memorial service. This piece, like so much of Reich's, mirrors something that I value so, so much. A sense of rigor AND beauty, grace and precision...

[@paulm8473]

BTW, I bought a CD of one of the recordings, so as to not rely completely on KZbin!

[@militarydeviltube5014]

I want that too then

[@clafoutri]

After several listening, I came to the realization that this music is best thing I ever heard in my whole life. It sounds like a golden dream.

[@JRSSchattenberg]

The harmony is heavenly, I'm just getting to know Steve Reich and I didn't expect these fantastic harmonies.

[@marcela77777]

12.09 👌 This music expresses the feeling of the composer. It's a joy ! ☀️ The organ is amazing! 👌 Luxuriously executed and beautiful paintings.

[@marifisk8278]

Just heard this on the radio and was super hooked by it! Kinda feels like that one scene in the movie where the protagonist figures out something that changes the game, which is just...brilliant, I love this =)

[@colinburke3758]

Heard this for the very first time ...caught this on NPR Knoxville yesterday.... absolutely breathtaking... became the definition of distracted driving... had to pull over to enjoy... sublime. Thank you for posting and leading me to a new undiscovered place!!... I need to investigate more of this composer's catalog.

[@leonmorgan5659]

sounds sensational when stoned on a cold crisp bright morning

[@iseeolly9959]

Weed is illegal over here in the UK.....grew my own a few years ago and woke at 4AM...got up and lit a joint while my little family slept, just pottered round the garden...and I listened to Dark Side of the Moon.....changed my life. I'll do the same with this one day....think it might bring me to my knees. xx

[@rektyrektingson4668]

@@iseeolly9959 Beautiful. Did you ever end up doing, my friend?

[@iseeolly9959]

@@rektyrektingson4668 Sat on a bench in my town, had a joint, a little slug of whiskey and watched the world go by with this playing. A little old lady came and had a chat about how pretty the leaves falling onto the pavement looked...she gave me a big hug and went on her way. Made me cry! Haha!

[@rektyrektingson4668]

@@iseeolly9959 awwww what lovely little story. Thanks for sharing!

[@kummer45]

The Skyscraper is the culmination of parametric architecture, algorithmic design, the comprehension of structural analysis and structural dynamics, the wherewithal of the double and triple skin facade, the beginning of high performance design, urban design, system integration, facade dynamics and the full capability of science and mathematics. Steve Reich, a genius of our time, spoke about this with his music, flawlessly.

[@scottmurison]

You should put your text on a loop!

[@steveelliott3514]

Me and Hoppy said that in 1979.

[@ICA17887]

Très beau morceau musical de Reich de musique répétitive qui ne se répète pas et qui demeure très subtile douce et agréable à écouter

[@giulioandreetta4226]

The obstinate of the high notes reminds me of an oriental melody. Great music.

[@iseeolly9959]

Wow...made me cry! What texture....hats off the recording engineers also...thanks for this x

[@alexmurrin653]

This music makes me think of the feeling you get when youre in an unfamiliar place, But the place is nonetheless a pleasant experience. Exploring a new town, looking around in a new shop youre excited youve found, taking the less beaten path on a hike. The music is naturally explorative, and really evokes memories of curiosity.

[@francesschaefer]

I LOVE this recording, have it my cd collection, and on my old ipod, and on an old LG phone that I use now as an mp3 player!!! It's really one of my TOP favorites of Steve Reich's: was into minimalist music some in the 80s while in grad school, (masters degree in pno performance, but w/composer father and friends) then not listening much in intervening years of teaching, playing, raising a family BUT in the last few years back to listening so much more. THANK you for posting this I just love it. Happy New Year!

[@The_G_in_Jesus]

blessings upon your new year and family... these works enlighten my young mind. I find solace in knowing other people still have a taste for it..

[@Kholdster]

this shit would have blown my mind if I was alive when it dropped edit: it still blows my mind

[@iseeolly9959]

Well I'm back again....and yes, instantly crying my eyes out !! everytime....it's magic I think.x

[@408sophon]

these notes tickle my brain! it's so wondrous and refreshing

[@0cer0]

This is unexpectedly delicate.

[@sisyphusstate]

So lovely.

[@NeilRaouf]

pasding it on to my kids. i am imprinting steve‘s music deep and subtle in their dna. whatever they become: it will help them 🥰

[@rdjazzboy1944]

Aw, that's sweet. Mr. Reich would approve.

[@Belfreyite]

I can hear this piece played in a huge cathedral with the base line played on a big pipe organ.

[@javierdavidferreiros8834]

Great music, thank you for sharing. Greatings.

[@101xaplax101]

this is a masterpiece

[@tharkun21280]

I thought this was his masterpiece for a long time. Love it. Then I introduced myself to Music for 18 Musicians, and life never was the same . . . Cheers!

[@rdjazzboy1944]

Yes, it is...

[@Ashley-qc2sc]

This is one of my favourite pieces, but it's one that appears to have had few recorded performances; De Waart's is the one I have, and the only one I could find on cd. I love the fast, circular phrases of the woodwinds and keyboard parts set against the glacial chordal brass passages.

[@hughiedavies6069]

I first heard Steve reich in the late 80s early 90s, he's my favourite modern composer, his music is cinematic and conjures up images of children running through cornfields, that kind of thing, beautiful expansive and full of colours °•●○☆♡

[@joanmartin-royo614]

Outstanding! Thank you very much, Maestro Steve Reich! 🙏❤️

[@tlatsegms]

Amazing✨

[@Archangina]

Luminous!

[@nitewars]

Really an incredible piece. Anyone who doubts the relevance of modern classical music should give this a serious listen!

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

Indeed. This and Arvo Pärt's Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten which is also one of the most moving pieces of music ever written IMO. But this one has been with me since 1983 and it at once moves me to tears and lifts my soul every time I hear it.

[@watkinscopicat]

nitewars this, and other modern music speaks to me much deeper than most “old” classical

[@elijahfry]

thanks for posting - i actually had this track on repeat during a 400km trip to melbourne yesterday, which is around 12 times over - keeps me calm while driving, especially in the metro area with all the maniacs about!!

[@stevereich9687]

There aren't enough variations! More variations, I say! More!

[@commentingaccount1383]

i've never listened to music that gave me goosebumps throughout the entire piece. wtf

[@FPOAK]

Came for the brutalism, stayed for the minimalism The cover photo is apparently the Q-Park “Beehive” parking garage in Rotterdam in case anyone else was wondering. It’s a shame that so many cool buildings are filled with cars

[@petermerelis]

underrated comment

Love this piece!

[@nicolatravaglini2812]

Ho ecoperto pet caso steve reich. In un mercatino delle pulci ho comprato dei cd di musica dagli albori af oggi. Nellultimo cd c'era il suo pezzo: musica per mallet voices ecc.. ho avutp una folgorazione. In quel momento volavo verso l'infinito. Vedevo il mio corpo sil divano ma ero nell'aldila'. Da allora non posso fare a meno di sentire la sua musica. E' un nutrimento per la mia anima. Non ho bisogno di piu' niente. Grazie mister Reich.

[@NonExistingName]

Legitimately couldn't keep a smile off my face listening to this. There is a childlike curiosity here, as if the melody is experiencing, and discovering itself. Carefully, tenderly, but all the while exulting with its own path. Brings me to tears

[@areyoubeey]

This is indeed a wonderful piece of modern music. I hear it while writing, it wraps my mind and yet allows me to focus. I agree to the comment about the brass - wonderfully warm and rich in its ensemble sound. thanks for posting this.

[@chrisbushman718]

I got goosebumps from this

[@josephjoseph6731]

Inter dimensional music for inter dimensional people. 🙏🏾✨🌍

[@francoislefebvre9583]

I see him as a musical sculpter.

[@MrWestergard]

Steve Reich the type of music where if the record got into a locked groove it would take you like five minutes to even notice

[@arminhanik4207]

Just as well hardly anyone listens to vinyl anymore

[@tn5074]

@@arminhanik4207 people listen to vinyl......

[@kruks]

@@tn5074 - For some reason.

[@bathtubbarracuda2581]

@@tn5074 nobody under the age of 50

[@smegmone8315]

this sh goes hard, i feel complete

[@steveowen7475]

The sence of completeness that I get from this repeated listening for 20 years ....I feel whole after I immerse myself in this simply peerless composition

[@stuartdryer1352]

I needed this today.

[@conraddean6510]

Its intresting to hear faster and slower versions of this. I think this tempo is perfect though. Those brass swells have so much drama and presence its insane

[@MarshallArtz007]

So beautiful. 😎🎹

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

In a 2006 interview Steve said he wasn't that happy with the piece. I think we all agree he was wrong. This is his first orchestral piece and may be his best. The more I listen to it the more I like it. When the massive bass line moves from scale step 5 to 4 I am reminded of great moments in Wagner when the dominant resolves to the subdominant.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

how could he be not happy with it... it sounds like heaven

[@simonegreco4620]

@@larkstonguesinaspic4814 i think a lot of artists are not that happy with their work, because there is the feeling like they could do more. But it's not there the problem

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

@@simonegreco4620 Very, very true. Great comment.

[@saucerfull1]

...beautifull

[@user-rg5nm9jk5s]

Superb. And unexpectable this music likes a church bells and contemporary even as music of russian village.

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Wonderful comment.on this music.

[@m1ke1981]

The brass gives me goosebumps.

[@birgitbofarull4410]

For me the release in triads.

[@m1ke1981]

@@birgitbofarull4410 yes same. I love the key changes.

[@birgitbofarull4410]

@@m1ke1981 amen!

[@birgitbofarull4410]

@@m1ke1981 Reich is the master of changes in key. Nyman comes close. BUT REICH TAKES THE KEY CHANGES INTO THE STRATOSPHERE! Amazing how a small modulation can just break what's set. Thank you.

[@m1ke1981]

@@birgitbofarull4410 agreed. Have you heard his latest work called "Runner". Very beautiful stuff.

[@krachenford9594]

Good stuff!

[@aldorunfola7367]

Past is a closed door, but Reich's music is able to open that.

[@omarvi280]

First movement 0:03 Second movement 5:14 Third movement 13:26 -13:27

[@watkinscopicat]

Incredible 🙌

[@andrewfrost283]

Beautiful piece. Those erie, dark low brass swells near the end must be a nod to Bernard Hermann...so similar to the Taxi Driver score to my ears, but a completely different context. Stunning.

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Interesting comment Andrew. I'm not normally in favour of comparing one composer's work against another's, but you really do make a valid point here. Brilliant.

[@bobgreen623]

I love this, and the Adams 'Shaker Loops' pieces. The brass on 'Variations' is so warm and all-enveloping.

[@101xaplax101]

shaker loops is amazing

[@saullatham5868]

How is it? We are alive. What a phantastic event-- life!

[@OliverWoodphotography]

This is the same recording by the SfSo that I got hold of many years ago. I first heard this on a frosty October morning in London, the morning after an interview at BBC Broadcasting House in the early 80s. I just came across it on BBC Radio 3 in my hotel room, looking out at the majestic profile of the iconic BBC building with steam rising from the air conditioning plant and all of the bustle of London beyond. It seemed very apt somehow. Now this piece is very evocative of those early days of ambition and the emergent sophistication of my early adult years. It also inspired a greater interest in classical music.

[@55gargoyle]

Love this work. One of the most relaxing pieces in my collection.

[@hugosinteuil287]

je l'écoute une fois par semaine