minimalism

The term minimalism in the classical music world generally refers to music from the second half of the twentieth century which uses limited materials. It can consist of, for example, ostinati which may gradually change, steady drones, consonance and phase shifting.

Composers such as John Adams, Louis Andriessen, Julius Eastman, Philip Glass, Henryk Górecki, Louis Hardin, Michael Nyman, Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich, Terry Riley and La Monte Young have contributed minimalist or minimal works.

 

A selection of articles about minimalism

Ensemble. An Interesting Contamination of Genres - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the first Italian performance of 'The Passion according to St Mark' by contemporary Polish composer Paweł Mykietyn

Profile. Andriy Lehki - John Dante Prevedini interviews Ukrainian musicologist Andriy Lehki about his undelivered 24 February 2022 lecture, 'Minimalism - The Pathway to Success'

Ensemble. Earth and the Future of Mankind - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences 'Koyaanisqatsi', by Philip Glass, in Rome

CD Spotlight. Baroque Minimalism and 21st Century Minds - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music for violin by Philip Glass. 'The magic of this iconic figure in American music is still aweing listeners.'

Classical music news. Obituary - Sven-David Sandström (1942-2019)

Ensemble. All About Collaboration - Music by Steve Reich impresses Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Compositional Thought - Piano music by John Corigliano, recommended by Karen Haid. 'Oppens and Lowenthal give strong performances of this music.'

DVD Spotlight. A Modern Orfeo - Music by Elodie Lauten, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a pleasing half-hour chamber opera ...'

CD Spotlight. Eclectic Style - A triple concerto by Graham Reynolds, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Performances are equal to the occasion ...'

An Interdisciplinary Field - Two contemporary music festivals in Rome, described by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Subtle and Organic - Music by John Luther Adams, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... vast silent landscapes ...'

Ensemble. A Wide-ranging Discourse - Sinfonia Viva plays Beethoven, Anna Meredith, Nico Muhly, Ravel and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Mozart across Niagara - Peter Hatch's 'Wiki Mozart' delights Jennifer Paull. '... an intoxicating cocktail.'

Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall

A Useful Survey - Thomas May's 'The John Adams Reader', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Energy and Exuberance - Music by Haydn, Karl Jenkins and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Inner sounds - Philip Glass played in Calgary, and Gordon Rumson was in the audience

Record box. Aural hallucinations - Keith Bramich listens to the 95% post consumer sound of Ellen Band