Steve Reich - Sextet/Six Marimbas (1986)

This is probably my favourite album from Steve Reich's time on Nonesuch (which continues to this day), with the much more sombre and poignant Different Trains a close second.  The five-movement Sextet, completed in 1985, saw Reich return to the smaller, percussion-based ensemble playing of his work from the previous decade. 

Reich gives this sound a fresh perspective by introducing longer, sustained tones via synth and electric organ, and also bowed vibraphone.  The writing is more chromatic than before, giving it a jazzier hue which is especially effective in the upbeat first movement.  Following Sextet, the album features a rescoring of 1973's Six Pianos for marimba.  A very enjoyable update, Six Marimbas is ten minutes shorter than its progenitor, and creates a much more meditative mood.

link
pw: sgtg

Bonus Reich: London Sinfonietta concert

This performance was given last Wednesday at Birmingham Symphony Hall.  Its first half featured the early Reich piece Clapping Music and a much more recent ballet work, Runner.  The second half was given over to a fine rendition of Music For 18 Musicians.  Broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.  One mp3 file, no pw, here.