Two live_loops with slightly different sleep times produce Steve Reich-style phasing

Running two live_loops with identical note sequences but sleep times that differ by a small amount causes them to gradually drift out of phase. The composite pattern of overlap shifts continuously, replicating the phasing technique of minimalist composers like Steve Reich (Piano Phase). The emergent composite rhythm changes over long timescales as the phase relationship evolves. Sonic Pi’s independent per-loop beat counters make this trivially writable.

Examples

notes = (ring :E4, :Fs4, :B4, :Cs5, :D5, :Fs4) live_loop :slow do play notes.tick, release: 0.1 sleep 0.3 end live_loop :faster do play notes.tick, release: 0.1 sleep 0.295 end

Assessment

Implement Piano Phase with a 7-note ring. Describe what listeners hear at the start vs after 2 minutes. Explain how the phase relationship produces emergent rhythms.