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Steve Reich - It’s Gonna Rain

 

Author: Julia Ranft

B.A. American Studies (HF), English Studies (NF)

Email: s0173273@stud.uni-frankfurt.de

Matrikelnummer: 7485864

The Future of (American) Music

Prof. Dr. Bernd Herzogenrath

Listening Report 5

Steve Reich - It’s Gonna Rain

            Steve Reich is an American composer known for his contributions to the development of minimalism in music. One of his most famous works is "It's Gonna Rain," which is an iconic example of his minimalist style. The piece was composed in 1965 and is often considered a milestone in the history of experimental music.

            “It’s Gonna Rain” consists of a single phrase spoken by a Pentecostal preacher  named Brother Walter. The phrase, “It’s gonna rain,” is repeated several times and gradually becomes out o sync with itself, creating a complex and mesmerising texture. Reich used a technique called phasing, which involves gradually shifting the phase of two identical recordings of the same sound. As the phasing continues, the sound becomes distorted and disorienting, creating a unique and hypnotic effect.

            The use of repetition and phasing in “It’s Gonna Rain” creates a sense of anticipation and tension, as the listener is never quite sure when the next shift in the sound will occur. The piece also highlights the importance of rhythm in minimalism, as the phasing creates a unique and complex rhythm that is not present in the original recording.

            The piece is also notable for its use of found sounds, as Reich used a recording of Brother Walter’s sermon as the basis for the piece. This use of found sounds was a significant innovation in experimental music and influenced many other composers in the genre.

            In conclusion “It’s Gonna Rain” is a groundbreaking piece of music that showcase Steve Reich’s innovative approach to composition and his unique understanding of rhythm, time, and language. By using tape loops and repetitive patterns, Reich was able to create a sonic landscape that captures the essence of Brother Walter’s message while also exploring the limits of musical form and structure. Today, the piece remains a classic of minimalist music and a testament to Reich’s creative genius.

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