Happy 80th to Steve Reich

A FEW years back I spent an hour or so with Steve Reich before a concert of his work. Here is the story I wrote about the pioneering minimalist, who marks his 80th birthday today.

I was struck by how down to earth Reich was, also how deep his love of Bartok seemed to be.

Reich’s “Different Trains” and “Music for 18 Musicians” are two of my all-time favorite pieces. Seeing the latter at Walt Disney Concert Hall was one of the most startling shows I’ve ever ever seen — all those singers.