Steve Reich ~ 3rd movement from Electric Counterpoint, 1987. 

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  • Steve Reich ~ 3rd movement from Electric Counterpoint, 1987.
    • Structure
      • Section A, Section B and Coda.
      • 3 layers.
        • Syncopated quaver motifs, introduced by live guitar and top 4 guitar parts.
        • New syncopated quaver motifs, introduced by bass guitars.
        • More sustained motif built around 3 chords.
    • Melody
      • Made up of 1 bar motif, that is repeated continuously to form an ostinato.
        • This motif is introduced by live guitar and top 4 guitar parts at different times. CREATES CANON.
      • When live guitar plays a melody that's built up from selected individual notes from other guitar parts creating RESULTANT MELODY.
      • Note addition used to build up melody, means notes are gradually added to part until all notes in melody are heard.
    • Texture
      • This piece has a contrapuntal texture.
      • Texture is built up gradually, helps to define the structure.
      • Thins out toward the end.
        • Once all parts are introduced the texture is constant, but when panning and interweaving rhythms the texture seems to be shifting.
    • Tonality and harmony
      • This piece is in binary form.
        • 4 sections within the A and B sections.
      • At start of piece there is tonal ambiguity, but hints to E minor. Not clear until bas guitar introduced.
      • The chords make it clear that the piece is modal.
    • Dynamics
      • Live guitar amplified to blend in well with backing tape.
      • The end finishes with a dramatic crescendo.
      • There is a clever use of panning.

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