Electric Counterpoint

Question 1

Steve reich

When did he start playing the drums

Answer 1

At the age of 14

Question 2

Steve reich

What is his music influenced by

Answer 2

Jazz

Gamelan and African music

Question 3

Steve reich

What does he like

Answer 3

Tonal music

Question 4

Steve reich

How many parts did he record and instruments

Answer 4

12 guitars and 2 bass guitars

Question 5

Steve reich

How many bars

Answer 5

140

Question 6

Steve reich

What date and period

Answer 6

Minimalism

1960-1970

Question 7

Steve reich

Features of the period

Answer 7

Builds music out of loops 
Harmonies made by layering each other 
A reduced style
Repetition
Minimalist techniques 
Ostinati loops note addition note subtraction 
Use of music technology 
Backing tracks layered with live part over the top

Question 8

Steve Reich

Metre

Answer 8

3/2 to 12/8 to 3/2

Question 9

Steve reich

Tonality and harmony

Answer 9

Tonal ambiguity
The bass is E minor when they come but actually aeolian mode
Changes to C minor in B section for contrast

Question 10

Steve reich

Dynamics

Answer 10

Mainly fading in and out

For ensemble parts the riff remains mf other parts have diminished with crescendo to ff for the solo at the end

Question 11

Steve reich

Pitch and melody

Answer 11

Guitar 3 uses additive melody where 2-3 notes are added until the whole riff can be heard

Question 12

Rhythm and tempo

Steve reich

Answer 12

Made up of rhythmic layered ostinati high are phase shifted and displaced
Constant tempo throughout

Question 13

Steve reich

Texture

Answer 13

It’s multi tracked
Short patterns riffs motifs ostinati that are repeated others join in one by one
Texture remains constant with use of panning
And interview Rhythms

Question 14

Steve reich

Form and structure

Answer 14

Divided in 2 sections A and B with a CODA

Question 15

Instrumentation

Steve reich

Answer 15

7 electric and two bass guitars

Question 16

Steve reich

Where and when was he born

Answer 16

In New York 1936