Minimalism
Tubular Bells (1973) by Mike Oldfield as heard in 'The Exorcist' Halloween Theme (2018) by John Carpenter as heard in 'Halloween' Candyman Theme (1992) by Philip Glass as heard in 'Candyman' Electric Counterpoint Mvt. III (1987) by Steve Reich Short Ride in a Fast Machine (1986) by John Adams Clapping Music (1989) by Steve Reich Music for 18 Musicians by (1974-76) Steve Reich Etude No. 5 (1994) by Philip Glass Einstein On The Beach (1975) by Philip Glass Passages (1990) Philip Glass & Ravi Shankar (Minimialist-Indian Classical Fusion) Drumming (1970) by Steve Reich
Complete this definition of Minimalism using the words below:
Minimalism is a style of music using * musical ideas (known as * or *). These musical ideas are * many times creating * (repeating patterns). These patterns can be *, to create * textures. In minimalist pieces, it is normal for the music to change * over a * period of time.
Cells Repeated Motifs Layered Long Gradually Short Ostinatos
Contrapuntal (independent lines of music played at the same time)
Minimalism Performing
Clapping Music by Steve Reich.pdfMinimalism Listening
Listen to Steve Reich's Electric Counterpoint Mvt. III and complete the following exercises
01Minimalism Listening (Student Copy).pdfMinimalism Composing
Listen to Steve Reich's Electric Counterpoint Mvt. III whilst following the score. You will use many of the same techniques to compose your minimalist piece.
Reich Electric Counterpoint Mvt III Score.mp4Listen to Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians. Like other minimalist composers, Reich found that percussion instruments can be used effectively to create the ostinatos, syncopated cross rhythms and disjunct melodies found commonly in minimalist music. Like Steve Reich you will use tuned percussion instruments in your composition.
Follow these instructions to compose your own minimalist piece, similar to Steve Reich's Electric Counterpoint.
1Composing a Minimalist Piece - Acoustic Counterpoint.pdfOther Minimalist Techniques
Now that you have used the minimalist techniques of canon and note addition to begin your minimalist composition (following the instructions above) you should study the examples below and consider using one or more of the following minimalist techniques to develop your composition further:
Metamorphosis, Phase Shifting, Melodic Note Addition, Sudden Key Changes, 'Long note' melodies
Listen to examples of other Minimalist techniques here
3Other Minimalist Techniques Examples.wavAs you listen, follow the score and study examples of other minimalist techniques here:
3Other Minimalist Techniques Examples.pdfComposing Assessment Criteria
Composing Assessment Criteria.pdf