Brussels Philharmonic & Vlaams Radiokoor present a milder Steve Reich as he explores new possibilities in his The Desert Music where text, sound and rhythm become one. Steve Reich was at the origins of a new musical style in the 1960s: minimal music. Repetitive motifs, powerful rhythms, music that stood on its own – the listener having no other hold than time, space and the surroundings in which it is heard. In 1983, Reich was ready to set aside his reservations about large formations: until that time, he thought that symphonic ensembles lacked the rhythmic versatility and precision necessary for his music. The Desert Music shows that it can.

Discover this concert on Podium 19.

This event is broadcasted on Podium 19, a free culture channel that you can watch on

Podium 19 offers virtual performances and concerts from the Flemish culture houses. More info at www.podium19.be.

concert recorded at Flagey on 26 March, 2021
in collaboration with Evil Penguin TV
with the support of the Belgian Tax Shelter and Belga Films Fund

Brussels Philharmonic

orchestra

Ilan Volkov

conductor

programme

Steve Reich
The Desert Music (1983)
(version for reduced strings)

(concert recorded at Flagey on 26 March, 2021)

This event is broadcasted on Podium 19. Podium 19 offers virtual performances and concerts from the Flemish culture houses. More info at www.podium19.be.

discover more

programme booklet

Want to learn more about the music and the artists? Read the lyrics? Download your programme booklet.

download programme booklet

introduction

Have a look into what started it all for Steve Reich and other personal anecdotes.

watch the video

bbc podcast

BBC 's Stephen Johnson explores visions of nuclear armageddon in Steve Reich's The Desert Music.

listen to podcast

practical

This event is broadcasted on Podium 19, a new and free culture channel that you can watch on

Podium 19 offers virtual performances and concerts from the Flemish culture houses. More info at www.podium19.be.

concert in collaboration with Evil Penguin TV
with the support of the Belgian Tax Shelter & Belga Films Fund