STEVE REICH “Claps”

March 10, 2010 The Escapist

When we clap our hands we hardly realize how many sounds we can make using our own hands. After watching the short piece written by Steve Reich I realized how speed has a great impact on sound. The piece is written for two performers. The performers clap they hands throughout the piece making unique sounds and its sounds very similar to the sounds that one would hear on drums. Listening to the piece also took me back to my roots because in my culture we clap our hands when greeting someone older than you. Its considered a sign of respect. The sound that is produced by our hands is also unique and very loud.
I also found it amazing that the sound is different every single time. Steve Reich was successful in providing his audience with amazing sounds that sound different every time one listens to them. During the thirty seconds of the piece no sounds was repeated more than twice which kept the piece powerful and simply at the sometime. I also find it amazing and creative how the whole piece has no instrument
Reich was inspired by Terry Riley, another talented composer .Terry Riley is also known for his work of combining offset in time and musical patterns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRPF_oY8S2o&feature=channel