A Musical Double Take
Have you ever wondered what music a composer is inspired by? Hear Denver-based composer Nathan Hall talk about his favorite piece of classical music and why he loves it so much: Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians.
Music for 18 Musicians - Steve Reich
Written between 1974 and 1976, Music for 18 Musicians is one of Steve Reich’s best-known works and a landmark of American minimalism. The piece is built around a repeating cycle of 11 chords. Each section focuses on one of these chords, with musicians adding, removing, and changing patterns as the music moves from one section to the next.
The sound is driven by piano and marimba patterns, with clarinets, strings, vibraphones, xylophone, and voices adding new layers. The musicians play tightly interlocking rhythms, creating a steady pulse that remains present throughout much of the piece.
Reich’s music asks us to listen for small changes within repetition. A familiar pattern may suddenly sound different when another instrument enters, a note shifts, or a new rhythm appears. The result is music that is highly organized, constantly changing, and rewarding to hear live.
About Nathan Hall
Nathan Hall is an artist and composer who explores sound, site, and sexuality.
His creative works are situated in between music, visual art, performance, and multimedia. His works have been performed in 18 countries and 24 US States. He often creates wonder and surprise out of simple, overlooked subjects–magic out of the everyday. Nathan’s queer & kink identity influences his works on vulnerability and community engagement. His passions for science, travel (particularly the Arctic), and stories of lived history have led to a Fulbright in Iceland, the McKnight Visiting Composer Fellowship, a project award from FEMA, and a New Music USA grant, among many other residencies and awards.
Nathan holds his Doctorate of Musical Arts from CU Boulder and currently teaches music composition at the University of Denver and at RMCAD. He is an artist in residence at RedLine Contemporary Art Center and lives in Denver with his husband Andy.
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