Reich: Different Trains, Electric Counterpoint
Kronos Quartet & Pat Metheny
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| Name | Artist | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
Different Trains: I. America-Before the War | Kronos Quartet | 8:58 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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2 |
Different Trains: II. Europe-During the War | Kronos Quartet | 7:30 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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3 |
Different Trains: III. After the War | Kronos Quartet | 10:30 | Work Only | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Electric Counterpoint: I. Fast | Pat Metheny | 6:50 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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5 |
Electric Counterpoint: II. Slow | Pat Metheny | 3:22 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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6 |
Electric Counterpoint: III. Fast | Pat Metheny | 4:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| Total: 6 Songs |
Customer Reviews
Spectacular Aural Imagery!!
I was very fortunate to hear the Kronos Quartet perform this piece ("Different Trains") at the University of Maine the year this CD was released. Not being familiar with either Reich, the piece, or the KQ at the time, I was completely blown out of the water by the uniqueness of the idea, the emotion of the narrative, and the jarring comparison between Reich's life and the lives of so many others. Several jazz perfomers have tried similar "voice-matching" techiniques--Victor Wooten and Jason Moran, most recently--but hearing a child's message on an answering machine replayed on the bass guitar does not match the emotional impact of the narrative Reich provides. It is such an abstract notion with such concrete results. Kronos is impeccable in their performance, as usual, and they provide the flair and brass needed to pull off such a feat. I played this CD (along with Gorecki's Symphony #3) every year in my Holocaust class for juniors and seniors in high school. They are as blown away by the whole concept as I originally was. It is a technically impressive and emotionally draining exerience. "Electric Counterpoint" is, quite sadly, the overlooked portion of this CD for me. I am a huge Pat Metheny fan, but I look to his other CDs for his best work. I know it is my loss. . . . Bottom Line: Whether or not you like Steve Reich and/or the Kronos Quartet, you need to give this CD a listen--it is a challenge and a delight. I'm not sure how one could fully appreciate the piece without the lyrics and explanation from Reich, though. Might be worth just buying the CD somewhere. . . .
Gorgeous Combination
Although I could not connect on the first run through, I refreshed myself with Kronos' Howl and Early Music, then came back for a second go. This work, as a whole, is absolutely gripping. I won't take it all the way to spellbinding, but it's ever so close to that. I was totally consumed and left blinking my way back to reality. Some people have commented to me in the opposite view, but I think that it is Pat Methany that lays out the soundscape foundation from which Kronos springs out from. Kronos can easily overpower less experienced musicians, but in this teamwork they have found an excellent balance to promote each other's strengths. I rate this a classic. A must have. Thanks for the music :)
Stunning Work
A brilliant concept, brilliantly executed. Steve Reich has always been at the forefront of conceptual music, and there's no better example than Different Trains. A must for anyone who appreciates those who push the boundaries of beauty and sound.
Biography
Formed: 1973 in United States
Genre: Classical
Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s
