“All the finest details are heard with amazing clarity”
In Drumming KUNIKO delivers a tour-de-force performance of the work which is widely considered minimalism’s first masterpiece. Performing all thirteen parts herself, and adopting the same multi-track approach which was so successful on kuniko plays reich, KUNIKO once again displays the technical virtuosity and flawless musicianship for which she is renowned. This seminal work employs Reich’s trademark phasing technique; subtle changes in timing and timbre cause the soundscape to build through a series of rhythmic loops which gradually evolve to create a wholly immersive experience. After hearing her performance on Drumming Reich commented: “The result is like a microscopic close up of the piece where all the finest details are heard with amazing clarity”. Drumming sees the award-winning percussionist once again demonstrate the musical intelligence and flair which makes such a captivating performer.
Clear like
Blue Sky
24 /192
Along with her masterful live solo part her own pre-recorded audio is played back at 24bit / 192kHz studio master sample rate. The composer praised as:
“Kuniko has made the first recording of Drumming where one musician plays and sings all the parts of the piece and records them via overdubbing. The result is like a microscopic close up off the piece where all the finest details are heard with amazing clarity. I found it a remarkable pleasure to hear. Bravo.”
− Steve Reich
Interview & Live Demo
from 2018 European Premiere live performance in Brussels, Belgium
Discover
Ultimate
Drumming
Kuniko says ‘No doubt ensemble is the best for me but also lots to lose when you truly want to hear the most beautiful details of this music.’
I played Drumming in ensemble for countless times and I always wondered ‘how these parts can be heard if played more clearly….?’
Featured Interview by CD Journal JAPAN
ATSUSHI OYAMADA X KUNIKO
Live From TOKYO
from 2018 live performance in Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Japan
© TV MAN UNION
Look Inside Kuniko
“In fact the voices overlapping on top of these play a very important role.”
When everything is fine-grained, Reich’s music brings out a tremendous effect. It is necessary for each person to listen to each other, balance it, and create a harmony. It may be natural for the wind instrument section, but it can be the most difficult...
Reviews
Excellence Award – The 73rd National Arts Festival
by Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan
‘Kuniko’s musicianship is colossal from bongo to piccolo…I relished it from start to finish and will continue to.’
‘Kuniko’s performance both differs from and betters previous versions in its better sonics and mathematics. Kuniko achieves the near impossible with a demanding piece, requiring dense attention and a deft touch.’
Download the interview article from CD Journal Japan. Atsushi Oyamada x Kuniko.
‘One of the most outstanding personalities of contemporary percussion.’
‘I have heard virtually all of the versions that have come out since the first recording and they are all good. But this one is by far the best, the most inspired, the most moving I have heard.’
2020-22 Seasons
Book Your Concerts Now!
Premiering
LIVE SOLO + TAPE
4 Tuned Bongos
Glocken Spiels
Marimba
Instrumentation
- Adams 4.3 or 5.0 marimba
- Pearl Elite Bongos – 2 x Pairs
- Glocken Spiels
- BOSE L1 Model II + B1 (or B2) Bass
“Drumming” recorded in solo overdub and its live performance version are the world’s first attempt and are officially approved and licensed by the composer (Steve Reich) and the publisher (Boosey & Hawkes). The creation of Drumming and its concert production are provided by NPO ARTS WORKS. Kuniko’s version of Drumming was originally commissioned and produced by Aichi Prefectural Art Theater for the dance title D O P E. (The world premiere – Jan 26-28, 2018) The production is supported world wide by Pearl, ADAMS, Sennheiser, Neumann.Berlin, Synthax | RME, BOSE.
Premiering the world first Drumming Solo version. Official tech-rider is available upon request.
DRUMMING.1970-71
Celebrating
50th Annv.
of the master piece