Minimalism

1
Minimalism

• Listening, Performing and Composing.

2
Minimalism

• What is it? What does the word mean?
• It applies to lots of different things in life
  not just music.
• It began in the 20th Century as a movement across
  the arts sculpture, architecture, dance and
  music.
• Two of its most famous composers are Philip
  Glass and Steve Reich.

3
Musical Characteristics of Minimalism.

• In music, minimalism is mainly made up of short,
  repeated melodies.
• If these ideas kept repeating forever what do
  you think would happen to the people listening?
• So, the melodies are changed bit by bit as the
  music continues.
• This is called Metamorphosis.

4
Listening 1 Facades by Philip Glass.

• Write down 2 descriptive words for this
  minimalist piece.
• 1.
• 2.

5
Ways to change a melody

• How can you change a melody? What can you change
  about it? What can you add? What can you take
  away?
• Terms used in Minimalism include Additive
  melody Phase Shifting and Layering.

6
Listening 2.

1. Do you recognise this piece of music?
2. Do you know the composer?
3. Do you know what it is called?
4. Do you remember when you might have heard it?
   (Film/TV etc.)

7
Tubular Bells
8
Listening 3 Marimbas NGoyen by Steve Reich.

• A Feature of Minimalism is change. Write down two
  changes you hear in this piece.
• 1.
• 2.

9
Performance Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield.

• The piece you are going to play is broken down
  into 4 layers.
• Try to combine all four layers with your partner!

10
Listening Example

1. How does this piece of music make you feel?
2. How would you describe it to someone who had
   never heard it?

11
Minimalism composition.

• Chords to use
• EGB DGB CGB CGBb
• Things to include
• Melody/tune. A simple melody using the notes
  E F G A B
• Bass line. A short repeated 4 note pattern
  using the notes E D C C
• Chords. Using the notes above play them
  with your melody and bass.

12
Evaluation Questions

• Was the piece of music successful?
• What were its strong points?
• What were its weaker points, and how could it
  have been improved?  
• Did the piece fulfil the task requirements?
  Specify?
• Answer these questions about your group and
  yourself.
• Did your group have a leader, or was it run
  democratically?
• Did you feel that your were playing a part in
  your group that matched your ability as a
  musician? Explain.

13
Why is Vicky Pollard like a minimalist
composition?

• Think about your answer!!