Meaning: Steve Reich, a prominent composer known for his contributions to the minimalist music movement, once stated, "In serial music, the series itself is seldom audible... What I'm interested in is a compositional process and a sounding music that are one in the same thing." This quote sheds light on Reich's approach to composition and his emphasis on the relationship between the compositional process and the resulting musical sounds. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to explore Reich's background, his impact on the world of contemporary classical music, and the concepts of serial music and minimalism.

Steve Reich was born in New York City in 1936 and emerged as a leading figure in the minimalist music movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Minimalism, characterized by repetitive patterns, simple harmonic structures, and a focus on gradual transformation, represented a departure from the complexity and atonality of serialism and avant-garde music that dominated the mid-20th century. Reich, along with other minimalist composers such as Philip Glass and Terry Riley, sought to create a new musical language that emphasized clarity, simplicity, and a direct connection with the listener.

The quote in question reflects Reich's departure from the principles of serial music, a compositional technique associated with the Second Viennese School, particularly Arnold Schoenberg and his twelve-tone method. In serial music, a predetermined series of pitches, rhythms, or other musical elements serves as the basis for composition, often resulting in complex, atonal, and intellectually demanding works. However, Reich's assertion that "the series itself is seldom audible" implies a departure from the strict adherence to serial techniques and a shift towards a more intuitive and organic approach to composition.

Reich's interest in a "compositional process and a sounding music that are one in the same thing" underscores his belief in the inseparable relationship between the act of composing and the sonic result. Unlike serial music, which often prioritizes the structural integrity of the series over immediate perceptibility, Reich's approach emphasizes the direct experience of the music as it unfolds. The compositional process becomes intertwined with the act of listening, blurring the distinction between the creation and reception of music.

This approach is evident in many of Reich's iconic works, such as "Music for 18 Musicians" and "Clapping Music," where repetitive patterns and gradual transformations create an immersive sonic experience that invites the listener to engage with the music on a visceral level. Through his use of phasing, looping, and gradual harmonic shifts, Reich achieves a synthesis of composition and sound, reinforcing the idea that the process of creating the music is inseparable from the act of perceiving it.

Furthermore, Reich's emphasis on a compositional process that aligns with the sounding music resonates with the broader principles of minimalism. Minimalist composers sought to strip away extraneous elements and focus on the essential core of the music, often blurring the boundaries between composition and performance. The repetitive structures and gradual evolution of minimalist works reflect a deep integration of the compositional process with the experience of the music itself.

In conclusion, Steve Reich's quote encapsulates his departure from the principles of serial music and his embrace of a compositional process that is intimately connected to the resulting sounds. Through his innovative approach to minimalism and his exploration of repetitive patterns and gradual transformation, Reich has reshaped the landscape of contemporary classical music. His emphasis on the inseparable unity of composition and sound continues to inspire composers and musicians, highlighting the enduring relevance of his artistic vision.