Minimalism Flashcards
What is a minimalism?
Minimalism is a style of music that developed during in 1960s and 1970s. It was a reaction to surrealist music which had broken away from convention using dissonance and atonality.
What were many minimalist composers inspired by?
Gamelan and African drumming
What is minimalism made up of?
- constantly repeated patterns called ostinato
- these can also be called loops especially in music where technology is used (which is often in minimalist music)
What has minimalism inspired?
- sampling
- many other uses of technology such a sampling
Loops changing
Changes in melodic and rhythmic patterns are often subtle creating an almost hypnotic sound.The harmonies are made by layering these repeated patterns one on top of the other. Creating a polyphonic texture. There is no real tune.
What texture is minimalist music?
polyphonic
Are there lots of layers in minimalist music?
yes
Is minimalism complicated?
yes, especially the rhythms
Name an artist that uses loops?
Ed Sheeran
]techniques used:
- phase shifting: same parts, two people playing it and moving in and out of each other using rest or by getting faster or slower
- metamorphosis: gradually changing from one phrase to another
- note addition and subtraction
- augmentation: making notes longer
- diminution: making nites shorter
- broken chords: where the notes of a chord are played singly rather than together
- tonal ambiguity: where the tone is not clear or different harmonisations are possible
Key Composers in Minimalism:
Steve Reich
He is known for his contribution to the development of minimal music in the mid to late 1960s. His music included phasing, sometimes only using one chord, a brief musical motif and spoken exclamations.
Key Composers in Minimalism:
Phillip Glass:
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential; composers of the late 20th century. His music was built up from repetitive patterns and shifting layers.
Key Composers in Minimalism:
Terry Riley
He is known as the pioneer of the minimalist school of composition, he was influenced by Jazz and Indian music. His music includes augmentation and ostianto.
How is minimalism in art and similar to minimalism in architecture?
in a art a limited range of colours are used and there art work is usually perceived as simple
in architecture there is simple use of design elements and decoration or ornamentation is not used
Where did minimalist music originate?
in American in New York during the 1960s
