Kronos Quartet - Reich: WTC 9/11, Mallet Quartet, Dance P...

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I waited for quite a while for this album to come out and it was well worth the wait. WTC 9/11 is an honorable tribute. It does not come off as pretentious or forced, but rather creates a somber aura that properly serves justice. It is quite a sobering experience. Mallet quartet is a unique Reich piece, particularly the thin instrumentation in the second movement, but it comes across effectively. The first and third movements have a driving Marimba pulse with very interesting harmonies, while the vibraphones carry very melodic, but characteristically rhythmic motifs. Dance patterns is a pleasant surprise. I was not familiar with this piece before and I am glad it was recorded along with this album. As with all Reich music, is is heavily rhythmic, but still contains striking lyricism and emotion. It's full of energy and is a great listen.

For those who want my thoughts on Reich's WTC, go see my review on the advance release of it that itunes had. The rest of the album isn't such a tragedy. The Mallett Quartet is quintesential Reich, sounding like something from his better days. One can hear shades of "Music for 18 Musicians" and "Drumming". Still, like his alter ego Philip Glass, he's starting to repeat himself without exploring new territory. The once new and brave sound world Reich encountered is beginning to sound a little dated. The Dance pattern also falls into the category. Granted, both pieces are much better than his WTC, but the album as a whole doesn't satisfy. -Bz

Mr Boolez, do your homework: Dance Patterns sounds like an older piece because it IS an older piece; Reich has not felt committed to a include a recorded version of this piece on disc for a while, even though a downloadable single has been available for YEARS on the Nonesuch website. This is just the first opportunity he has had to add a well-performed version to disc. Although I tend to agree that Reich really hasn't "innovated", but that's because he's found his voice. Most of his better pieces still provide a unique spin on this voice tho, and there are some fine ones here.

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