The Four Sections
The Four Sections is an orchestral work by the minimalist American composer Steve Reich.
The piece was commissioned for the San Francisco Symphony in honor of its 75th Anniversary by the widow of Ralph Dorfman. It was completed in August 1987 and given its premier that year on 7 October conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas in Davies Hall.[1]
The title of the work refers to the four sections of the orchestra and the four harmonic sections dividing each movement. The work consists of the following movements:
- Strings (with winds and brass) (♩ = 80)
- Percussion (♩ = 80)
- Winds and brass (with strings) (♩ = 120)
- Full orchestra (♩ = 180)
The original idea for the work was suggested by Tilson Thomas in terms of a Concerto for Orchestra. Reich's approach to the concept of a Concerto for Orchestra was different to that of Bartok's work, which Reich understood in terms of 'soloist versus orchestra'. Instead, Reich saw in the orchestra an opportunity to extend his ideas of interlocking identical instruments, as explored in previous works like Six Marimbas or Violin Phase.[2]
References
- ^ "Steve Reich's notes from Boosey & Hawkes
- ^ "Reich, Steve (1990). The Four Sections (CD sleeve notes). Electra Nonsuch 7559-79220-2.
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