Bringing together two modern musical titans in one special program, Reich & Golijov is a profound exploration of spirituality, memory and the power of music to transform human experience. Featuring the ACO Quartet led by Richard Tognetti, with special guest, clarinettist David Griffiths, the program features two landmark works, Steve Reich’s Different Trains alongside Osvaldo Golijov’s The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac The Blind.
Widely considered a 20th-century masterpiece, Different Trains is a minimalist touchstone that uses pre-recorded speech alongside strings to create a powerful, dynamic, evolving soundscape. The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind invites us to consider the deep connections that exist between different musical forms. Extraordinary instrumental textures are woven together with elements of klezmer to express Golijov’s intensely vivid and spiritual sound world.
Reflecting on the impact of these innovative and highly influential works more than a quarter of a century since their premiere, Richard Tognetti leads the ACO Quartet through an enlivened performance showcasing why they resonate with musicians and audiences alike, as much today as ever before.
