
Steve Reich on Why Medieval Music Sounds So Fresh
From The Open Ears Project by WQXR & WNYC Studios
May 6, 2024 · 26 min · Season 2 · Episode 14
About this episode
Steve Reich discusses the impact of medieval music, particularly the works of Pérotin, on his compositions and its relevance today.
Steve Reich talks about the influence of 13th-century French composer Pérotin on his own compositions and why medieval music feels fresh to contemporary ears.
People in this episode
Guest: Steve Reich
Topics covered
- medieval music
- Steve Reich
- Pérotin
- contemporary music
- music influence
Keywords
- Steve Reich
- medieval music
- Pérotin
- 13th-century
- music influence
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Pérotin
More episodes of The Open Ears Project
- Introducing Classical Music Happy Hour with Emanuel Ax · April 30, 2026 · 4 min
- Introducing Our Common Nature with Yo-Yo Ma · November 12, 2025 · 33 min
- Janna Levin on Mozart’s Unfinished Ambitions · June 17, 2024 · 25 min
- Hanna Arie-Gaifman on Bach and Survival · June 10, 2024 · 16 min
- Caroline Shaw on Mendelssohn and Possibility · June 3, 2024 · 12 min
- Nick Ferrone on Why Barber’s “Adagio” Gets a Bad Rap · May 27, 2024 · 25 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Open Ears Project podcast page.