Written between 1974 and 1976, Music for 18 Musicians is one of the most emblematic and well-known works in Steve Reich's repertoire. Over the course of more than an hour, a great arc of sound with 11 continuous sections creates a hypnotic atmosphere, a kind of trance in which body and mind merge in a unique sensory experience. Moving away from the models that marked the beginning of his career, Reich used instruments he had never used before, such as clarinets and strings. He cyclically grouped various chords (11, one main chord in each section) with a great deal of transformation and superimposed two distinct currents of time: the regular time that marks the pulsation and rhythm of the work and the time/duration of the breathing of the voices and wind instruments. The overlapping and succession of the ostinato creates an enchanting environment in which the sound approaches and distances itself from the listener. 

This show, composed by an ensemble of musicians from Braga, is part of the Contraponto cycle, highlighting its influence and legacy in contemporary music. 

Contraponto is a cycle dedicated to 20th and 21st century composition, where we invite local, national and international ensembles and composers to guide us through the music of one of the most fertile periods in new ideas and forms.

Program
Music for 18 musicians - Steve Reich (1974-76)

Duration 75 min (approx.)

Author Steve Reich
Artistic director Miquel Bernat
Percussion João Miguel Braga Simões, Pedro Góis, André Dias. João Tiago Dias, Vítor Castro, Miquel Bernat and Pedro Oliveira
Piano Rui Braga Simões, José Diogo Martins, Joana Gama and João Lima
Vocals Eva Braga Simões, Gabriela Braga Simões, Raquel Mendes and Maria João Vieira Leite
Violin Vítor Vieira
Cello João Tiago Cunha
Clarinet Alexandre Abreu
Bass clarinet Paulo Martins
Sound design and operation Süse Ribeiro
Light design Emanuel Pereira