Reich: Triple Quartet, Music for a Large Ensemble, Electric Guitar Phase Review

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Reich: Triple Quartet, Music for a Large Ensemble, Electric Guitar Phase ReviewThe music on this "new" Steve Reich release falls into two distinct categories:
ACTUAL NEW MATERIAL (15 minutes)
"Triple Quartet": A slight improvement over other recent ventures ("The Cave," "City Life"), however quite grating to listen to... a lack of critical rhythmic interest with static mildly dissonant harmonic content combines for an unrewarding listen that seems to go on for longer than the 14 minutes it actually lasts. A major disappointment compared to "Different Trains," the previous Kronos collaboration.
RECYCLED FILLER MATERIAL (40 minutes)
1. "Electric Guitar Phase": When this same piece is heard as "Violin Phase" (on the 1980 ECM recording) it's long and somewhat tedious yet rewarding upon further listening with an exciting virtuoso feel that a live violinist brings to the table. As performed on overdubbed electric guitars, it is devoid of humanity and fire, losing all hope of holding the listeners attention for the duration. Why this piece seemed worth recording on electric guitar is beyond me. Ugh.
2. "Music for a Large Ensemble": This arrangement/performance is a little cleaner and more transparent than its ECM cousin (that same record that had "Violin Phase" on it. Hmmm.) You can hear some details here that weren't as apparent on the older recording. However, despite the shiny finish, this performance seems to lack the fresh energy and attack heard on the ECM version. So an interesting listen for the overly Reich-obsessed, but nothing revelatory.
3. "Tokyo/Vermont Counterpoint": Completely inferior to the version for flutes as recorded by Ransom Wilson. It is a damn shame that this recording is unavailable on CD at this time: it is a performance brimming with energy, humanity and humor, a virtuoso tour-de-force. As performed on "MIDI Marimbas" (whatever that means) it sounds hollow, monochromatic, electronic, and dull. Blah.
OVERALL: Yet another disappointing Nonesuch Reich release, 75% unsuccessful recycling, 25% sub-standard new material. And I write this as a 10+ year admirer and fan of Steve Reich's music desperately wanting to like this CD. Rats.Reich: Triple Quartet, Music for a Large Ensemble, Electric Guitar Phase Overview

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