7.2 Minimalism: Reich, Glass, and Riley

Minimalism emerged as a revolutionary musical movement in the post-World War II era. It challenged traditional compositional techniques with its focus on repetition, gradual transformation, and limited pitch material. This approach created hypnotic, meditative soundscapes that captivated listeners.

Pioneers like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley 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 "In C" and the diatonic harmony in Philip Glass's "Music in Fifths"

Phase Shifting Technique

• Phase shifting 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 "Music for 18 Musicians" 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 "Einstein on the Beach" 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 tape loops 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