7.2 Minimalism: Reich, Glass, and Riley
5 min read•august 13, 2024
Minimalism emerged as a revolutionary musical movement in the post-World War II era. It challenged traditional compositional techniques with its focus on , gradual transformation, and limited pitch material. This approach created hypnotic, meditative soundscapes that captivated listeners.
Pioneers like , , and shaped minimalism's core principles. They drew inspiration from non-Western music and Eastern philosophy, infusing their works with complex rhythms and spiritual elements. Minimalism's impact extended beyond classical music, influencing film scores, popular genres, and other art forms.
Minimalist Music Characteristics
Repetitive Patterns and Gradual Transformation
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- Minimalist music heavily relies on repetitive patterns and motifs that are repeated extensively, often with subtle variations over time
- Gradual process involves slow, incremental changes applied to repeated musical elements, such as rhythmic shifts, melodic alterations, or harmonic progressions
- The use of repetition and gradual transformation creates a sense of continuity, mesmerizing the listener and drawing attention to subtle changes in the music
- Minimalist compositions often employ a steady, continuous pulse or rhythmic foundation that provides stability and forward momentum
Limited Pitch Material and Tonal/Modal Sound
- Minimalist music typically utilizes limited pitch material, such as diatonic scales or modes, contributing to a tonal or modal sound world
- The use of a restricted pitch set allows for a focused exploration of harmony and melody within a simplified framework
- The tonal or modal sound of minimalist music often evokes a sense of tranquility, meditation, or contemplation
- Examples of limited pitch material in minimalist works include the use of pentatonic scales in Terry Riley's "" and the diatonic harmony in Philip Glass's "Music in Fifths"
Phase Shifting Technique
- is a technique pioneered by Steve Reich, where identical musical phrases are played simultaneously but at slightly different tempos, creating a shifting relationship between the parts
- The resulting effect of phase shifting is a complex interplay of rhythms, melodies, and harmonies that evolve over time, generating a sense of movement and tension
- Reich's compositions, such as "Piano Phase" and "Clapping Music," showcase the phase shifting technique, where the overlapping and shifting of patterns create intricate musical textures
- Phase shifting adds depth and complexity to the minimalist sound, as the listener perceives the gradual unfolding and realignment of musical elements
Reich, Glass, and Riley: Minimalism's Pioneers
Steve Reich's Compositional Style
- Steve Reich's compositions often explore the concept of phase shifting, as exemplified in works like "Piano Phase" and "Clapping Music"
- Reich incorporates elements of African and Balinese music, utilizing complex rhythmic patterns and percussive textures
- Works like "" and "Drumming" showcase Reich's use of interlocking rhythms, gradual harmonic changes, and the layering of instrumental voices
- Reich's compositions often have a hypnotic and pulsating quality, drawing the listener into a immersive sonic experience
Philip Glass's Minimalist Approach
- Philip Glass's minimalist style is characterized by the use of repetitive arpeggiated figures, additive rhythms, and gradual harmonic changes
- Glass's operas, such as "" and "Satyagraha," showcase his minimalist techniques within large-scale dramatic works
- In works like "Music in Fifths" and "Music with Changing Parts," Glass employs repetitive melodic patterns and slowly evolving harmonic structures
- Glass's music often has a mesmerizing and meditative quality, with the repetition of musical elements creating a sense of timelessness and introspection
Terry Riley's Improvisatory Approach
- Terry Riley's compositions often feature improvisatory elements and the use of and delay systems to create layered, psychedelic soundscapes
- Riley's seminal work, "In C," consists of 53 short musical phrases that performers can repeat and navigate freely, resulting in a unique and immersive listening experience
- Works like "A Rainbow in Curved Air" and "Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band" showcase Riley's use of electronic manipulation and improvisatory techniques
- Riley's minimalist approach embraces a sense of spontaneity and exploration, allowing for a fluid and ever-changing musical experience
Non-Western Influences on Minimalism
African and Asian Musical Traditions
- Minimalist composers drew inspiration from various non-Western musical traditions, particularly those of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia
- Steve Reich's exposure to Ghanaian drumming and Balinese gamelan music significantly influenced his compositional style, incorporating complex rhythmic patterns and interlocking textures
- Philip Glass studied Indian classical music with Ravi Shankar and incorporated elements of Indian rhythmic cycles (talas) and additive rhythms into his compositions
- Terry Riley's interest in Indian classical music and his study of the raga system influenced his improvisatory approach and the use of modal scales in his minimalist works
Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality
- The philosophical and spiritual aspects of non-Western cultures, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, had an impact on the minimalist aesthetic
- The concept of repetition and gradual transformation in minimalist music can be linked to the cyclical nature of time and the idea of spiritual contemplation found in Eastern philosophies
- The emphasis on process and the present moment in minimalist music reflects the influence of meditation practices and the focus on mindfulness in Eastern spiritual traditions
- Minimalist composers sought to create music that encouraged introspection, tranquility, and a sense of unity, drawing inspiration from the teachings and practices of Eastern traditions
Minimalism's Impact on Contemporary Music
Influence on Classical and Film Music
- Minimalism challenged traditional Western classical music conventions by emphasizing simplicity, repetition, and gradual change, opening up new possibilities for musical expression
- The influence of minimalism can be observed in the works of contemporary classical composers such as John Adams, Michael Nyman, and Arvo Pärt, who have incorporated minimalist techniques into their compositions
- Adams's operas like "Nixon in China" and "The Death of Klinghoffer" combine minimalist elements with narrative storytelling and rich orchestration
- Minimalist music has had a significant impact on film scores, with composers like Philip Glass and Michael Nyman creating iconic soundtracks that utilize minimalist principles
- Films like "The Hours," "Koyaanisqatsi," and "The Piano" feature minimalist-inspired scores that enhance the emotional and visual impact of the movies
Crossover into Popular Music and Culture
- The repetitive and hypnotic qualities of minimalist music have resonated with audiences beyond the classical music sphere, leading to its crossover into popular culture
- Electronic and ambient music genres have been heavily influenced by minimalist techniques, with artists like Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and Tangerine Dream incorporating repetitive patterns and gradual transformations into their works
- Minimalist elements can be found in various popular music genres, such as post-rock (Mogwai, Sigur Rós), electronic dance music (Daft Punk, Kraftwerk), and experimental rock (Velvet Underground, Stereolab)
- The influence of minimalism has also extended to other art forms, such as visual arts (Sol LeWitt, Donald Judd), dance (Lucinda Childs, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker), and theater (Robert Wilson), where the principles of simplicity, repetition, and gradual change have been applied to create compelling and innovative works
Key Terms to Review (20)
African Drumming: African drumming refers to the diverse and complex rhythmic patterns played on various drums native to the African continent, often used in communal celebrations, rituals, and storytelling. It incorporates a variety of techniques and styles that vary by region and culture, influencing many modern music genres, particularly minimalist composers who draw inspiration from its polyrhythms and cyclical structures.
Audience immersion: Audience immersion refers to the deep engagement and emotional involvement that listeners experience while interacting with a piece of music or performance. This state of being fully absorbed allows individuals to lose themselves in the sound, rhythm, and atmosphere created by the music, leading to a transformative experience. In the context of certain minimalist composers, this concept is vital as their works often invite listeners to connect deeply with the repetitive structures and evolving soundscapes.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental ideas, often seen as ahead of their time, particularly in the arts and music. It challenges traditional norms and embraces radical approaches to create new forms of expression. In music, avant-garde artists push boundaries through techniques like dissonance, unconventional structures, and the incorporation of technology.
Cultural reaction: Cultural reaction refers to the responses of societies and individuals to various stimuli, including artistic movements, societal changes, and historical events. This concept helps to understand how music, particularly minimalist composers like Reich, Glass, and Riley, emerged as a response to the complexities of modern life and the artistic movements of their time.
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to the combination of notes that clash or create a sense of tension, often perceived as unstable or unresolved. This tension can evoke emotional responses and is crucial for musical expression, especially in styles that emphasize atmosphere and mood. Dissonance is utilized differently across various musical genres, and it plays a key role in shaping the harmonic language of both Impressionist composers and Minimalist artists.
Eastern Music Traditions: Eastern music traditions encompass a diverse array of musical practices and styles originating from various cultures across Asia, particularly in regions like India, China, Japan, and the Middle East. These traditions often emphasize improvisation, unique scales, and distinct rhythmic patterns, contributing to a rich tapestry of sound that contrasts with Western musical practices. Influences from these traditions can be seen in the works of minimalist composers, who incorporated elements such as modal systems and repetitive structures into their music.
Einstein on the Beach: Einstein on the Beach is an avant-garde opera composed by Philip Glass, with a libretto by Robert Wilson, first premiered in 1976. This landmark work is characterized by its minimalist music style and non-traditional narrative structure, often eschewing a linear storyline in favor of a series of abstract scenes that reflect themes of science, time, and human experience. The opera exemplifies the fusion of music and theater, showcasing the evolving nature of minimalism and its impact on contemporary opera and performance art.
In C: In C is a musical technique that was pioneered by minimalist composers, particularly Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley. This concept involves the use of a simple melodic fragment that is repeated and layered with variations, creating a complex tapestry of sound while maintaining a clear structure. The technique showcases the minimalist philosophy of focusing on the process and gradual transformation of music rather than relying on traditional harmonic progression.
Music for 18 musicians: Music for 18 Musicians is a landmark minimalist composition by Steve Reich, created in 1976. The piece is characterized by its use of a large ensemble consisting of percussion, strings, winds, and voices, all working together in a rhythmic and harmonic framework that embodies the principles of minimalism. Its repetitive structures and interlocking patterns highlight the essence of Reich's style and showcase the transformative nature of music within a minimalist context.
Phase shifting: Phase shifting is a technique in music composition where repeated musical patterns or phrases are gradually altered in their timing, creating a sense of movement and transformation. This method is central to minimalist composers, as it enables them to develop musical ideas in a way that feels organic and evolving, often leading to hypnotic soundscapes and intricate textures.
Philip Glass: Philip Glass is an American composer known for his pioneering role in the development of minimalism in music. His work is characterized by repetitive structures, intricate harmonies, and a distinctive rhythmic drive, which have greatly influenced contemporary classical music and beyond. Glass's compositions often blur the lines between classical, rock, and electronic music, showcasing his unique approach to melody and form.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a broad cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the principles and values of modernism. It is characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, embracing fragmentation, pastiche, and irony in artistic expression. This movement influences various fields, including music, where it challenges traditional forms and encourages experimentation and the blending of styles.
Repetition: Repetition is a musical technique where certain phrases, motifs, or sections of music are repeated to create structure, reinforce themes, and enhance emotional impact. In minimalist music, repetition is a core element that fosters an immersive listening experience, allowing the audience to engage deeply with the evolving patterns and textures in the music.
Steve Reich: Steve Reich is an American composer known for his pioneering work in minimalist music, characterized by repetitive structures, gradual process, and phasing patterns. His innovative techniques and compositions helped redefine the boundaries of contemporary music, influencing genres beyond classical, including pop and electronic music.
Steve Reich and Musicians: Steve Reich and Musicians is an American ensemble founded in 1966 by composer Steve Reich, known for pioneering minimalist music. The group performs Reich's compositions that often explore repetitive patterns, phasing, and the blending of different musical styles, showcasing the evolution of minimalist aesthetics in contemporary music. Their performances are marked by an emphasis on rhythm and texture, highlighting the ensemble's unique interpretation of Reich's innovative works.
Tape loops: Tape loops are short segments of magnetic tape that are played in a continuous cycle, creating a repetitive sound pattern. This technique became popular in the minimalist music movement, allowing composers to explore the effects of repetition and phasing, leading to hypnotic textures and structures.
Terry Riley: Terry Riley is an American composer known for his pioneering work in minimalist music, particularly with the 1964 composition 'In C', which is considered a landmark piece in the genre. His innovative use of repetition and improvisation has influenced a wide range of musical styles and movements, connecting him to experimental music and the avant-garde.
Texture: Texture in music refers to the way different musical lines or voices interact and combine to create a cohesive sound. It describes the complexity of a piece, whether it has a single melodic line or multiple interweaving melodies. Understanding texture helps in analyzing how composers like Reich, Glass, and Riley create their minimalist works, as well as how electronic music and musique concrète manipulate sounds and layers.
The Philip Glass Ensemble: The Philip Glass Ensemble is a musical group founded by composer Philip Glass in 1968, known for performing his minimalist works and contributing to the development of minimalist music. The ensemble features a unique blend of instruments, including keyboards, winds, and strings, which create a distinctive sound characterized by repetitive patterns and evolving harmonies. Their performances often explore the intersection of classical and contemporary music, showcasing the innovative style that defines Glass's compositions.
Timbre: Timbre, often referred to as the 'color' or 'quality' of sound, defines the distinct characteristics that differentiate one musical sound from another, even when they have the same pitch and loudness. It plays a crucial role in how we perceive and categorize different instruments and voices. Timbre encompasses various factors including the harmonic content, attack, duration, and the resonance of a sound, which together create a unique sonic identity for each sound source.