The Guardian has described Reich as one of the few composers to have "altered the direction of musical history."
Reich often cites Pérotin, J.S. Bach, Debussy and Stravinsky as composers he admires, whose tradition he wished as a young composer to become part of. Jazz is a major part of the formation of Reich's musical style, and two of the earliest influences on his work were vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Alfred Deller, whose emphasis on the artistic capabilities of the voice alone with little vibrato or other alteration was an inspiration to his earliest works. John Coltrane's style, which Reich has described as "playing a lot of notes to very few harmonies", also had an impact; of particular interest was the album "Africa/Brass", which "was basically a half-an-hour in F." Reich's influence from jazz includes its roots, also, from the West African music he studied in his readings and visit to Ghana. Other important influences are Kenny Clarke and Miles Davis, and visual artist friends such as Sol Lewitt and Richard Serra.
Reich's music is published by Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishing, www.boosey.com/reich.
Steve Reich won the Polar prize in 2007.
Proverb
Steve Reich Lyrics
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The lyric "How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life" is a deep and contemplative statement that can be interpreted in numerous ways, depending on the personal life experiences of the listener. To some, it may suggest that we should be more mindful of the thoughts we allow to dominate our minds, as even a small thought can shape the course of our lives. To others, it could serve as a reminder that what we focus on expands and that we should seek to direct our thoughts towards positivity.
In the context of Steve Reich's song Proverb, these lyrics are particularly poignant. The repetition of the phrase "How small a thought" underscores the idea that our thoughts are powerful, and that they are capable of shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and actions. The repetitive nature of the composition, with its delicate harmony and subtle shifts in tempo, creates a sense of introspection and invites the listener to contemplate the meaning behind the words.
Overall, the lyric "How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life" encourages us to be more mindful of the thoughts we allow to occupy our minds, as they have the power to shape our realities and influence our experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Contributed by Juliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr.DOO
Now that I listened, I have to say that satellite fits to the music.
For those interested : it's Enceladus, the sixth-largest moon of Saturn.
Ryuji _
Nice
Bodoquoi
Nice
Otoniel Guajardo
I couldn't stop tears coming out when I clearly UNDERSTOOD the beauty of the allegory... "How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life". Master piece.
youfilin
there is no end to understand this proverb finally. let there be space for thoughts and moves.
MultitudeOfDrops
I love this :D Never heard this one before, and it's quickly becoming my favourite Reich piece! <3
Kuhrvenal
I´ve been waiting a lifetime to listen something like this.Universe bless Steve Reich.Thanks for uploading this,friend.
Nahomi González
How small a song it takes to fill a whole life?
Noe Berengena
An entire lifetime? What have you been listening to before?
Руся Никодимов
Плачу. Сейчас де война России Украиной. Как будто голоса мёртвых. Мёртвых с обеих сторон.
Но это слезы печали, эта музыка меня исцеляет.