Michael, I do find it odd that you use the word "vile" to describe a composer - presumably referring to his music and not the man.

"Vile": morally bad, wicked.. Knowing you, I'm sure you don't mean that.

I don't think any music is vile - it just is. Whether one likes it or not is another matter. As for Reich, it has been said of him by one very influential critic, that he is by "general acclamation, America's greatest living composer". Now you may think that statement is truth or piffle, depending on your musical taste. You may also believe the fact that Reich as been awarded the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Music to be a travesty.

But... whether he meets with your approval or not, there just may be some justification for his being considered an important star in the musical firmament by the musical establishment. He was certainly innovative in the classical world - 40 years ago, by the way - in his looping musical segments to create a collage of sound. (The pop world had been doing this for some time). He's certainly a thoughtful and intelligent composer who creates his own audio world in his own way. I recall driving a long distance in the early hours of the morning and finding Reich's "Different Trains" being played on the radio. Nothing else to do, so I listened - and found it fascinating to listen to. I can't say I'd have it on my desert island - but it was worth a listen. I don't have any of Reich's music in my collection, but I wouldn't dismiss him.

I recall the first time I heard Conlan Nancarrow's music for player-piano - startling and weird. But worth a decent listen. As you probably know, he used to perforate piano rolls to create piano music that was unplayable by a human - anticipating the use of computers in music by several years! Once again, fascinating stuff... perhaps not suiting everyone's ears!

But not vile.