Drumming (Reich)

K. Robert Schwarz characterized Drumming as a "transitional" piece between Reich's early, more austere compositions and his later works that use less strict forms and structure.

The work falls into four parts, with the following instrumentation used in each:[3] The length of the piece can vary widely, as the number of repeats taken on any given measure is up to the performers.

The transitions consist as follows: In the end of movement 4, in parts 7–9 there is a variation of the rhythmic pattern that Reich uses throughout the piece.

Instead of repeating exactly the same motives at a different rhythmic interval, Reich leaves a note out of each final pattern in those parts.

Choreographers such as Laura Dean, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, and Ginette Laurin have collaborated on dance performances with Reich on Drumming.