Minimalism
‘Phrygian Gates’ 1977
First published piece: quite late in life at 30.
Key features * Adopts constant quaver pulse. * Use of technology: tape recorders/mixers. Experiments with looped phrases * No ‘Basic Unit’- a more instinctual use of evolving modes * Emulation of electronic music through exploitation of various ‘bandwidths’ on piano-ie: introducing material in a restricted register. * Performance model: The Toccata * No use of melody or harmony * Evolution of modes: changing the acoustic identity of a few sounding pitches by the addition of new tones. This is a key feature of Adam’s technique. * Introduction of conventional dramatic/teleological elements- crescendo/sudden mode change/dynamic contrasts
Definition of the term * Arts * Music * Essential features of minimalism * Rhythm * Melody * Structure
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Leila Josefowicz, BBC Symphony Orchestra, John Adams (LATE JUNCTION), CD BBCLJ30012
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Robert McDuffie, Hauston Symphony, Christoph Eschenbach (TELARC DIGITAL), CD-80494
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Chloe Hanslip, Royal Philarmonic Orchestra, Leomard Slatkin (NAXOS), CD-8.559302
S.Reich, Piano Phase, Nurit Tilles, Edmund Niemann (ELEKTRA NONESUCH), CD 79169-2
S.Reich, Piano Phase, Steffen Schleiermacher, Josef Christof, Ensemble Avantgarde, (WERGO), CD 5973
P.Glass, Music in Similar Motion, Philip Glass, Steve Chambers, Art Murphy, Jon Gibson, Dickie Landry, Robert Prado, Kurt Munkacsi (ELEKTRA NONESUCH), CD 7559-79326-2
P.Glass, BED from “Einstein On the Beach”, Paul Esswood, Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra & Chorus (SONY MASTERWORKS), CD – SK 64133 DDD
What is meant by the term ‘Minimalism’? Discuss some essential features of Minimalism with reference to three works covered in the course, making reference to rhythmic, melodic and structural aspects of the works chosen.
Minimalism is an artistic movement that
First published piece: quite late in life at 30.
Key features * Adopts constant quaver pulse. * Use of technology: tape recorders/mixers. Experiments with looped phrases * No ‘Basic Unit’- a more instinctual use of evolving modes * Emulation of electronic music through exploitation of various ‘bandwidths’ on piano-ie: introducing material in a restricted register. * Performance model: The Toccata * No use of melody or harmony * Evolution of modes: changing the acoustic identity of a few sounding pitches by the addition of new tones. This is a key feature of Adam’s technique. * Introduction of conventional dramatic/teleological elements- crescendo/sudden mode change/dynamic contrasts
Definition of the term * Arts * Music * Essential features of minimalism * Rhythm * Melody * Structure
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Leila Josefowicz, BBC Symphony Orchestra, John Adams (LATE JUNCTION), CD BBCLJ30012
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Robert McDuffie, Hauston Symphony, Christoph Eschenbach (TELARC DIGITAL), CD-80494
J.Adams, Violin Concerto, Chloe Hanslip, Royal Philarmonic Orchestra, Leomard Slatkin (NAXOS), CD-8.559302
S.Reich, Piano Phase, Nurit Tilles, Edmund Niemann (ELEKTRA NONESUCH), CD 79169-2
S.Reich, Piano Phase, Steffen Schleiermacher, Josef Christof, Ensemble Avantgarde, (WERGO), CD 5973
P.Glass, Music in Similar Motion, Philip Glass, Steve Chambers, Art Murphy, Jon Gibson, Dickie Landry, Robert Prado, Kurt Munkacsi (ELEKTRA NONESUCH), CD 7559-79326-2
P.Glass, BED from “Einstein On the Beach”, Paul Esswood, Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra & Chorus (SONY MASTERWORKS), CD – SK 64133 DDD
What is meant by the term ‘Minimalism’? Discuss some essential features of Minimalism with reference to three works covered in the course, making reference to rhythmic, melodic and structural aspects of the works chosen.
Minimalism is an artistic movement that