Human Interactions: Agnes Obel's Favourite Albums | Page 9 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

8. Steve ReichOctet

This is a collection of three compositions, so, again, not an album but a compilation, but this is how I got to know the pieces. My favourite of the three is Octet. It uses two pianos, strings, woodwinds and flute; my favourite part is the low glissando, the strings, I think, in the first part, and later the bass clarinet jumping about below and on top of the syncopated piano and woodwinds. Also great is Violin Phase, which is solo violin slowly going out of phase with the recorded violin on tape, making some very cool unexpected patterns.

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Knifeworld,
PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today