Colin Currie Group Review: Steve Reich's Music Still Bedazzles at 90 2026

Steve Reich's music still bedazzles, as the Colin Currie Group proved in a 90th birthday concert that sidestepped the usual 1970s and 80s hits. The performance, reviewed here, focused on Reich's later works—everything written after age 71—and included the London premiere of In All Your Ways. It was a bold curatorial choice that revealed fresh depths in the composer's catalog.

Colin Currie Group Delivers a Different Kind of Reich Celebration

With so many 90th birthday concerts this year, the Colin Currie Group opted for a program that avoided the signature works of Reich's middle period. Apart from the still mind-expanding Clapping Music from 1972, every piece was written by a composer over 71. That meant no Music for 18 Musicians or Drumming, but rather a chance to hear Reich's more recent voice.

The concert opened with a bitty start before finding its stride with four masterworks back-to-back. That sequence formed the heart of the evening and demonstrated the group's deep affinity for Reich's intricate rhythmic language.

Radio Rewrite and Double Sextet Show Reich's Cool and Complexity

Radio Rewrite is Reich at his coolest: five continuous movements that riff on two classic Radiohead songs. Those familiar with the source material can just about perceive them in the harmonic atmosphere of the slow sections and the lyrical outlines of the faster music. Currie conducted a nicely chilled reading, and the playing was as tight as a drum.

It was followed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Double Sextet, an elaborate work that throws up intricate resultant patterns—to use Reich's own term—as the twin ensembles slip in and out of lockstep. Again, discipline and spirit were spotless, though greater physical space between the two sextets would have helped sonic differentiation.

Quartet and In All Your Ways: Reich at His Purest and Most Personal

The second half opened with a luminous account of Quartet. Stripped back to just four instruments, it's Reich at his purest, performed with panther-like grace by Currie and colleagues. The London premiere of In All Your Ways featured the work of a man entering his tenth decade—a testament to Reich's continued vitality.

These later works show Reich refining his trademark techniques rather than reinventing them. The result is music of extraordinary precision and emotional resonance, even if it lacks the shock of the new that greeted his early minimalism.

Key Takeaways from the Colin Currie Group's Reich Performance

• The program avoided Reich's 1970s and 80s signature works, focusing on pieces written after age 71.
• Radio Rewrite reimagines two Radiohead songs with Reich's characteristic rhythmic drive.
• Double Sextet showcases complex resultant patterns and tight ensemble interplay.
• Quartet offers a stripped-back, pure Reich experience.
• The London premiere of In All Your Ways highlighted Reich's ongoing creativity in his 90s.

Comparing the Works: A Snapshot of Reich's Later Style

Why This Concert Matters for Reich's Legacy

By programming later works, the Colin Currie Group challenged the notion that Reich's essential contributions belong only to the 1970s. The concert revealed a composer still refining his craft well into his 80s and 90s. For longtime fans, it was a reminder that Reich's music continues to evolve; for newcomers, it offered a gateway into his more recent output.

The performance also underscored the importance of dedicated interpreters. The Colin Currie Group has long championed Reich's music, and their precision and commitment were evident throughout. As Reich enters his tenth decade, such advocacy ensures his music remains a living tradition.

Those interested in exploring Reich's broader impact can delve into Steve Reich at 90: Human Voices in Groundbreaking Music, which examines his vocal works. The composer's influence extends far beyond the concert hall, shaping contemporary music across genres. The background to this story is set out in Behemoth Review: Pedro Pascal Classical Music Drama Misses the Mark.

For a deeper look at Reich's career, Steve Reich at 90: Master Minimalist Composer Looks Back offers a reflective overview. Meanwhile, the Proms provided another platform for Reich's music this season, as seen in our coverage of Gesualdo Six and Colin Currie Group Deliver Atmospheric Prom for Steve.

Another standout event was Jonny Greenwood and Paraorchestra Deliver a Steve Reich Spectacular, which brought Reich's music to a new audience. These performances collectively demonstrate the enduring relevance of Reich's minimalist vision. As the 90th birthday celebrations continue, it's clear that Steve Reich's music still bedazzles. A related thread runs through Celebrity: latest articles.