Minimalism: A musical style characterized by repetitive patterns, steady pulses, and gradual transformations, often using limited musical materials to create a hypnotic effect.
Context and Significance
Minimalism has significantly influenced contemporary music, serving as a foundation for various modern genres. It is prevalent in classical and electronic music, where its repetitive structures create immersive soundscapes. Composers and performers utilize minimalism to evoke emotional responses through subtle changes in rhythm and harmony, making it a staple in film scores and ambient music.
Historical Background
The minimalist movement began in the late 1960s, primarily in the United States. Key figures like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley pioneered this style, reacting against the complexity of modernist music. They sought simplicity and accessibility, drawing inspiration from non-Western musical traditions and experimental art forms. Minimalism has since evolved, influencing various musical and artistic disciplines.
Examples
Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” showcases minimalism’s repetitive motifs and gradual shifts. Philip Glass’s opera “Einstein on the Beach” employs minimalist techniques to create a mesmerizing, dream-like experience. Terry Riley’s “In C” is a seminal minimalist piece, emphasizing improvisation within a structured framework.
Related Terms
Repetition: A core technique in minimalism, involving recurring musical patterns.
Phase Music: A minimalist style where identical phrases are played at slightly different tempos.
Ambient Music: A genre influenced by minimalism, focusing on mood and atmosphere.