Briefly define minimalism and cite an example that we discussed in class
What will be an ideal response?
Minimalism is a musical texture in which short, simple patterns are repeated for long periods of time, either without variation or with subtle changes that gradually alter the melodic, rhythmic, or timbral content.
It first emerged in the 1960s and was associated with two trends.
an increased interest in Asian and African music, in which repetition plays a very significant role
a reaction of some composers to mid-century modernism itself, especially the serialism
Steve Reich (b. 1936)
influential composer of minimalist music in the mid-1960s
Example: Piano Phase (1967) (excerpt), explores the phase shifting of two pianos
lining up in unison two recorded loops and letting them slowly shift out of phase with each other
Other composers of minimalist music include:
Philip Glass (b. 1937)
John Adams (b. 1947)
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is the root of the VI chord in the key of B minor?
A. G B. C# C. B D. D E. F#
Director Constantin Stanislavski is considered as a(n)
A. auteur. B. acting guru. C. designer. D. all of the above.
In the apse mosaic from the Church of San Vitale, Bishop Ecclesius holds ______________.
a. a model of the church. b. a martyr's crown. c. a book.
__________ was a Medieval composer, a woman and considered a mystic due to the visions she reportedly experienced.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).