Steve Reich wrote the Daniel Variations (for small chorus, clarinets, string quartet, pianos and percussion) in memory of slain Wall Street Journal writer Daniel Pearl, killed by Islamic terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. I would call these people “sub-human”, but that might be giving them more than their due. This piece, performed at the birthday celebrations for the composer in 2006, is vintage Reich, and that will mean to you whatever it will mean. The four movements alternate with passages from the book of Daniel and Pearl’s own words, the latter movements being more uplifting and even joyous. However, I wish I could be more enthusiastic in light of the noble subject matter, and it is certainly to the composer’s credit that he wrote such a tribute, but from a musical standpoint I simply cannot fathom the fuss; Different Trains will always be to me Reich’s masterpiece, and this work, while in possession of some delicate and even moving moments, just doesn’t connect with me because of the incessant repetition—minimalism’s besetting fault, if not sin.
The Variations for Vibes, Piano, and Strings, a joint commission between the London Sinfonietta and the Akram Khan Dance Company, is a little easier to take in, as its rhythms and very structure seem to indicate the action on stage. But even this 2005 work struggles to make an impression on me. However, well aware of my own prejudices and preferences, I have no doubt that the piece, along with the Daniel tribute, will make no end of positive impressions on his legion of fans. Fortunately for them, the sound and production values are excellent.
— Steven Ritter