1
Steve Reich: Four Organs (1970)
2
Steve Reich: Piano Phase (1967) (Fassung für Vibraphon)
3
Steve Reich: Nagoya Marimbas
4
Steve Reich: Quartett für Schlaginstrumente
Following the huge success of her 2011 album Kuniko Plays Reich and subsequent recordings of works by the pioneering composer, percussionist Kuniko has established a reputation as one of Steve Reich's leading interpreters. Here she has recorded Kuniko Plays Reich II, a bold program of innovative works that span Reich's artistic career and showcase some of his groundbreaking techniques. Composed in the early thirties, Piano Phase is performed in Kuniko's own mesmerizing arrangement for two vibraphones; characteristically, Kuniko plays both parts. While Nagoya Marimbas uses some of the compositional devices that Reich popularized in Piano Phase, Four Organs draws inspiration from the Middle Ages. The concluding Mallet Quartet shows Reich in a more melodically expansive mood, albeit with his trademark tight rhythmic drive and canonic textures.