Proverb (Reich)

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Proverb is a musical composition by Steve Reich for three sopranos, two tenors, two vibraphones, and two electric organs. It is set to a text by Ludwig Wittgenstein.^[1] It was written in 1995 and was originally intended for The Proms and the Utrecht Early Music Festival. It was premiered at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on February 10, 1996 by Theatre of Voices with Paul Hillier, to whom the piece is dedicated.^[2]

Proverb was written during a period when Reich was experimenting with "speech melody", and is influenced by the period Reich spent working on The Cave with Paul Hillier and singers with a strong background in medieval polyphony. This is especially apparent in the two tenor parts, which pay homage to Pérotin in their use of hocket.^[3] The text is "How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life!" This text is an excellent explanation of the piece itself, as well as perhaps Reich's career, much of it spent exploring minimalism.^[4] The text is first presented by a solo soprano voice, singing a long lyric line. This original melody and text are then deconstructed throughout the piece, including through the use of elaborate canons, until at the end the solo soprano restates the text to a transformed melody. The work is approximately 14 minutes long.

Proverb is one of a number of Reich's works which has been remixed by electronic musicians. It is also the inspiration for a dance which was premiered at London's Barbican Centre in September 2006.^[5] The work has been well received by critics.^[6]

[edit] Recordings

"Proverb/Nagoya Marimbas/City Life" with Paul Hillier, Theatre of Voices, Bradley Lubman, Jay Elfenbein, Jeanne LeBlanc, on Nonesuch Records, October 15, 1996.
"Steve Reich 1965-1995 [BOX SET]" on Nonesuch Records, June 3, 1997.
The score of Proverb is available for rental from Boosey and Hawkes.

[edit] References

Paul Griffiths. "Steve Reich", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed September 13, 2006), grovemusic.com (subscription access).
[2] Composer's notes at Boosey and Hawkes.