Electric Counterpoint - Steve Reich

Year of composition: 1987

Historical period: Minimalism

Melody

• The melody is made up of continuously repeated one bar patterns to form an ostinato. This pattern is introduced by the lead guitar and the top four guitar parts.
• In some parts the melody is built up through note addition.

Texture

• This piece has a contrapuntal texture. When all parts are independent and one starts after another, usually playing the same melody.

Structure

The piece builds up in three layers:

1. A syncopated quaver motif is introduced by the live guitar and top four              guitars, one at a time.

2. A new syncopated motif…