The rock-band sound world of 2x5 is certainly new. Reich's sense of proportion, his ability to change direction just at the right moment, is as sure as ever. And the Double Sextet contains one of Reich's most beautiful laments, where his Jewish heritage comes to the fore.

Beautifully poised throughout, Double Sextet stands as arguably one of Reich’s finest works.

Like most of Reich’s oeuvre, Double Sextet (2008) explores the relationship between tempo, timing and rhythm. Its impetus stems from two identical sets of six instruments (flute, clarinet, vibraphone, piano, violin and cello) that interact in a way that generates all sorts of dramatic syncopations.

Steve Reich's smartest, most sonically nourishing recording for years...[Double Sextet is] a seamless return home to familiar Reich territory, and the ensemble eighth blackbird's muscular and thoughtful playing is just what's needed here. No cross-cultural conceit to be traversed. Just enjoy.

[Double Sextet] is a terrific score, elegantly constructed, with deliciously ambiguous harmonies and glittering textures...2x5 illustrates how Reich's capacity for writing eloquent, exhilarating and ear-catching music remains undimmed.

The Double Sextet...has a propulsive energy supplied by the keyboards and percussion, while the tangy, rock-band sound world of 2 x 5, with its two electric guitars, electric bass, piano and drums, together with their pre-recorded mirror image, is certainly new in Reich's music.

"Double Sextet" is built on the urban pulsing of pianos and vibes, with violins sawing like thread shuttled across a loom. High woodwind cracks the canopy, breaking only for a middle section of petrified string shimmers. "2x5" features Zappa-esque chordings, doubled slightly out of sync to produce a jerky vibrato effect, over which lines of guitar motifs are neatly stitched.

These two small groups double their numbers by playing against recordings of themselves, though instruments alone can be used. But this is music, not a game of numbers. It's fresh, hypnotic and beguiling and shows the American Reich on a new curve of invention.