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Episode details

Radio 3,04 Oct 2026,149 mins

Steve Reich at 90 - The Four Sections

Radio 3 in Concert

Available for 26 days

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra presents an all-Steve Reich programme celebrating one of the most influential composers of the past century. Conducted by Colin Currie, a long-time collaborator and advocate of Reich's music, the concert brings together four works that showcase the composer's distinctive blend of pulse, repetition and evolving musical patterns. Bryce Dessner takes the solo role in Electric Counterpoint, a work whose interlocking lines and rhythmic energy have made it one of Reich's most widely admired compositions. The programme also includes Three Movements, Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards, and Four Sections, revealing the range and imagination of Reich's orchestral writing. Together, these works trace the development of a musical language that transformed contemporary classical music and continues to influence composers and performers across many genres. Presented by Tom Service and Elizabeth Alker live from The Glasshouse in Gateshead. Steve Reich: Three Movements Steve Reich: Electric Counterpoint Steve Reich: Variations, wind, strings, keyboards Steve Reich: The Four Sections Bryce Dessner (guitar) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Colin Currie (conductor) To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Clapping Music
    Clapping Music
    Steve Reich
  3. 2.
    Little Fluffy Clouds
    Little Fluffy Clouds
    The Orb
  4. 3.
    Variations for winds, strings and keyboards
    Variations for winds, strings and keyboards
    Steve Reich