6.6 Minimalism and Postminimalism
3 min read•august 15, 2024
Minimalism and Postminimalism shook up the music world with their fresh take on composition. These styles ditched complex melodies for repetitive patterns and gradual changes, creating hypnotic soundscapes that challenged listeners' expectations.
As Minimalism evolved into Postminimalism, composers mixed in more diverse influences. They kept the repetitive core but added richer harmonies and textures. This blend of simplicity and complexity opened up new possibilities in contemporary classical music.
Minimalism and Postminimalism: Key Characteristics
Defining Features of Minimalism
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- Minimalism employs repetitive patterns, sustained tones, and stripped-down musical language
- Focuses on gradual changes over extended periods
- Uses , techniques, and additive or to create evolving musical textures
- Employs limited set of musical materials (small number of pitches or rhythmic patterns)
- Explores materials extensively throughout the piece
- Challenges traditional notions of musical development and form
- Favors extended durations and subtle variations over dramatic contrasts
Postminimalism: Evolution and Expansion
- Retains some elements of Minimalism while incorporating broader range of musical influences and techniques
- Features more complex harmonies and rhythms compared to early Minimalism
- Utilizes more diverse palette of timbres and textures
- Blends elements from various musical traditions (classical, popular, world music)
- Emphasizes importance of process in composition
- Focuses on gradual unfolding of musical ideas as central to listening experience
Minimalism and Postminimalism: Major Composers and Works
Pioneering Minimalist Compositions
- 's "" (1964-present) explored just intonation and sustained tones
- 's "" (1964) introduced modular composition concept
- 's "" (1974-76) exemplified phasing techniques and pulsing rhythms
- 's opera "" (1975) featured arpeggiated patterns and additive rhythms
- Represented landmark in Minimalist music theater
Postminimalist Developments
- ' "" (1986) combined Minimalist techniques with dynamic, harmonically varied approach
- 's vocal work "" (1979) blended Minimalist with extended vocal techniques and theatrical elements
- 's "" (1985) incorporated influences from popular music and traditional harmonic progressions within repetitive framework
Repetition, Process, and Harmony: Minimalism vs Postminimalism
Structural Elements and Techniques
- Repetition serves as structural device in Minimalist music
- Creates
- Allows listeners to focus on subtle changes within seemingly static textures
- Gradual processes involve techniques like phasing
- Identical patterns shift out of synchronization
- Creates complex
- Additive and subtractive processes systematically add or remove musical elements over time
- Creates evolving structures (Reich's "Piano Phase", Glass's "Music in Twelve Parts")
- Pulse serves as crucial unifying element
- Anchors gradual processes and repetitive patterns
- Evident in works like Reich's "Drumming" and Adams' "Phrygian Gates"
Harmonic Approaches and Analysis
- Minimalism simplifies tonal harmony
- Focuses on extended diatonic harmonies or modal systems
- Creates sense of stasis or slow harmonic rhythm (Young's "The Four Dreams of China")
- Postminimalism incorporates more complex harmonic language
- Blends tonal centers with chromatic elements
- Draws from diverse harmonic traditions (Adams' "Harmonielehre")
- Analysis focuses on identifying underlying processes and systems
- Differs from traditional harmonic or formal analysis methods
- Examines gradual transformations and structural patterns (Reich's "Different Trains")
Key Terms to Review (30)
1960s counterculture: The 1960s counterculture refers to a social movement characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and norms, particularly in areas such as politics, war, and consumerism. This movement was heavily influenced by music, art, and the quest for social change, leading to the emergence of new cultural expressions and ideologies that challenged traditional conventions. Key elements of this counterculture included the embrace of alternative lifestyles, an anti-establishment ethos, and a vibrant musical scene that sought to convey messages of peace, love, and social justice.
Additive processes: Additive processes refer to a compositional technique in music where material is built up gradually, adding layers of sound or motifs over time. This method emphasizes repetition and the gradual transformation of musical elements, which is a hallmark of minimalism and postminimalism, creating a sense of unfolding and development within the music.
Dolmen Music: Dolmen music refers to a form of minimalist music characterized by repetitive structures and patterns, inspired by ancient stone monuments called dolmens. This style often employs a meditative quality and the use of sustained tones, allowing listeners to experience time in a more fluid manner. Dolmen music draws connections to minimalism and postminimalism through its focus on texture and the exploration of sound as an experience rather than a traditional narrative.
Drones: Drones are sustained tones or chords that provide a harmonic foundation in music. In minimalism and postminimalism, drones are often used to create a sense of stability and focus, allowing other musical elements to evolve around them. This technique emphasizes the interplay between the drone and melodic lines, which can lead to mesmerizing patterns and textures over time.
Ecstatic orange: Ecstatic orange is a term used to describe a specific musical work by composer Terry Riley, known for its rich textures and vibrant soundscapes. This piece exemplifies the characteristics of minimalism and postminimalism, featuring repetitive motifs and gradual changes that evoke a sense of emotional intensity and transcendence. The piece is celebrated for its ability to create an immersive experience, allowing listeners to explore their perceptions of time and space.
Einstein on the Beach: Einstein on the Beach is a groundbreaking opera composed by Philip Glass, first performed in 1976, known for its minimalist structure and non-linear narrative. This work marked a significant shift in the landscape of contemporary opera, combining music, dance, and visual arts in a way that reflects the principles of minimalism, while also influencing the evolution of contemporary classical music through its innovative use of repetition and abstraction.
Expanded tonality: Expanded tonality refers to a musical approach that broadens the conventional use of tonality, incorporating elements from various scales, modes, and harmonic progressions while still retaining a tonal center. This technique allows composers to explore new textures, harmonies, and emotional depths beyond traditional tonal frameworks, particularly in the contexts of modern and contemporary music, where repetition and minimalism often play significant roles.
Hypnotic effects: Hypnotic effects refer to a state of altered consciousness that can be induced through music or sound, characterized by deep focus, relaxation, and a trance-like experience. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in minimalist and postminimalist music, where repetitive structures and subtle variations can transport listeners into a meditative or dream-like state, enhancing emotional engagement and deep listening.
In c: In C refers to a specific minimalist musical work created by Terry Riley in 1964 that employs a simple repeating melodic figure. This piece is significant for its innovative use of improvisation and its emphasis on gradual, evolving musical textures, which aligns with the broader principles of Minimalism and Postminimalism. The structure allows performers the freedom to interpret the piece, resulting in unique performances each time it is played.
John Adams: John Adams is an influential American composer known for his significant contributions to contemporary classical music and minimalism. His work often combines elements of minimalism with postminimalist styles, showcasing a unique blend of rhythmic patterns, textures, and harmonies that push the boundaries of traditional classical music. Adams' innovative compositions reflect the evolving nature of music in modern times, drawing from a variety of influences while maintaining an accessible appeal.
La Monte Young: La Monte Young is an influential American composer, often regarded as one of the founding figures of experimental and avant-garde music. His work is characterized by a focus on sustained tones, extended durations, and innovative use of sound and silence, all of which have had a profound impact on the development of minimalism and postminimalism. Young's explorations of the relationship between sound and time have challenged traditional notions of composition and performance, making him a pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
Meditative listening: Meditative listening is an intentional approach to engaging with music that emphasizes a deep state of awareness and emotional connection. This practice encourages individuals to immerse themselves in the sound, focusing on each note, rhythm, and texture, often leading to a transformative experience. It is particularly significant in the context of minimalist and postminimalist music, where the repetitive structures and subtle changes invite prolonged contemplation.
Meredith Monk: Meredith Monk is an influential American composer, performer, and director known for her pioneering work in extended vocal techniques and multimedia performance. She merges elements of minimalism with innovative theatrical practices, creating a unique sound that challenges traditional musical forms and emphasizes the emotional power of the human voice.
Michael Torke: Michael Torke is a contemporary American composer known for his unique blend of minimalist and postminimalist styles, characterized by vibrant colors and rhythmic vitality. His music often employs repetitive structures and explores the relationship between sound and emotion, reflecting the principles of minimalism while adding a modern twist. Torke's compositions frequently include elements of jazz and popular music, making his work accessible to a wide audience.
Music for 18 musicians: music for 18 musicians is a large-scale minimalist composition by Steve Reich, premiered in 1976, that features a unique ensemble of instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. This piece exemplifies the characteristics of minimalism, such as repetitive patterns, gradual transformation, and an emphasis on rhythm over traditional melodic development. The work also reflects the evolution of contemporary classical music by integrating elements of African drumming and phase shifting techniques.
Ostinato: An ostinato is a musical phrase or rhythm that persistently repeats in the same musical voice, often serving as a foundational element in a composition. This repetitive structure can be found in various musical contexts, influencing the texture and overall feel of a piece. Ostinatos can appear in melodies, harmonies, or rhythms and often create a sense of stability and continuity within the music.
Phasing: Phasing is a musical technique that involves the gradual shifting of overlapping musical patterns, creating a sense of transformation and evolution over time. This technique is essential to minimalism and postminimalism, as it allows for a continuous exploration of rhythmic and melodic ideas, leading to intricate textures and evolving soundscapes.
Philip Glass: Philip Glass is an American composer known for his distinctive style of minimalism, characterized by repetitive structures and a focus on harmony. He is a pivotal figure in both the minimalism movement and contemporary classical music, having also made significant contributions to film scores, where his music often enhances narrative and emotional depth.
Polyrhythms: Polyrhythms are a rhythmic concept in music where two or more contrasting rhythms are played simultaneously, creating a complex and layered texture. This technique enriches the musical experience by allowing different rhythmic patterns to coexist, enhancing the overall sound and feel of a piece. The interplay of these rhythms can create tension, excitement, and a unique groove that is foundational in various music styles.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a complex cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skeptical, self-aware approach to art, literature, and music that often blends styles and challenges traditional norms. It emphasizes irony, playfulness, and the idea that meaning is constructed rather than inherent, leading to diverse expressions in various forms of creative output. In music, this translates into innovative practices that break away from established conventions, reflecting the fragmentation and multiplicity of contemporary life.
Repetition: Repetition is a musical device that involves the recurrence of a particular motif, phrase, or section within a piece of music. This technique is fundamental in creating structure and familiarity in compositions, particularly in minimalism and postminimalism, where it serves to emphasize simplicity and gradual transformation.
Short Ride in a Fast Machine: Short Ride in a Fast Machine is a composition by John Adams, first premiered in 1986, known for its vibrant energy and minimalistic elements. This piece exemplifies the characteristics of minimalism, featuring repetitive structures and driving rhythms that create a sense of urgency and motion, simulating the experience of riding in a fast vehicle. Its orchestration includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion, which together produce a rich tapestry of sound that captures the thrill and excitement implied by its title.
Static harmony: Static harmony refers to a musical technique where the harmonic structure remains unchanged or stable for an extended period of time. This creates a sense of stillness and continuity, often allowing other musical elements, like melody or rhythm, to evolve independently. It is a hallmark of minimalist music, where repetition and gradual transformation play crucial roles in creating an immersive experience.
Steve Reich: Steve Reich is an influential American composer known for his pioneering work in minimalism, which is characterized by repetitive structures and gradual changes in music. His compositions often incorporate elements of rhythm, phasing, and looping, drawing from various musical styles, including jazz, African music, and Western classical traditions. Reich's innovative techniques have made a significant impact on contemporary classical music and have influenced a wide range of genres beyond classical, including pop and electronic music.
Subtractive processes: Subtractive processes refer to a compositional technique where elements are removed or simplified to create music that focuses on minimalism. This approach emphasizes the reduction of musical material to its essentials, allowing for the exploration of space, repetition, and subtle variations. By stripping away complexity, subtractive processes can highlight the core aspects of sound and rhythm, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.
Tape loops: Tape loops are a sound manipulation technique where short segments of magnetic tape are spliced to create a continuous loop that can be played repeatedly. This technique allows for the repetition of sounds or musical phrases, which is a core aspect of minimalist music, enabling composers to focus on patterns, textures, and the gradual transformation of sound over time.
Terry Riley: Terry Riley is an influential American composer and musician, known primarily for his pioneering work in the minimalist movement. He is best recognized for his groundbreaking piece 'In C,' which uses repetitive patterns and emphasizes improvisation, paving the way for both minimalism and postminimalism in contemporary music.
Textural variation: Textural variation refers to the changes in the density and arrangement of musical elements within a composition, often creating different layers or 'textures' of sound. This concept is vital in both minimalist and postminimalist music, where composers manipulate the textural fabric by introducing or removing musical lines, varying dynamics, and shifting instrumental roles to create contrast and interest throughout a piece.
The well-tuned piano: The well-tuned piano is a musical concept referring to a piano that has been carefully tuned to achieve optimal harmonic and melodic balance, particularly in the context of modern Western music. This tuning system aligns the frequencies of notes in a way that allows for complex chord progressions and harmonies, enhancing the overall sound quality and musicality of performances, especially in minimalism and postminimalism where tonal clarity is essential.
Transcendence: Transcendence refers to the concept of going beyond ordinary limits or boundaries, often achieving a higher state of understanding or experience. In music, this can be reflected in the ability of certain compositions or styles, like minimalism and postminimalism, to evoke a sense of spiritual elevation or profound emotional connection that surpasses the mundane. This idea is closely tied to how music can create transformative experiences for both the listener and the performer, pushing beyond traditional musical structures to explore new dimensions of sound and meaning.