Minimalism
Listening, Performing and
Composing.
Minimalism
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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 it’s most famous composers are
Philip Glass and Steve Reich.
Musical Characteristics of
Minimalism.
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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.
Listening 1: Facades by Philip
Glass.
Write down 2 descriptive words for this
minimalist piece.
1.
2.
Ways to change a melody
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How can you change a melody? What
can you change about it? What can you
add? What can you take away?
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Terms used in Minimalism include:
Additive melody; Phase Shifting and
Layering.
Listening 2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Do you recognise this piece of music?
Do you know the composer?
Do you know what it is called?
Do you remember when you might
have heard it? (Film/TV etc.)
Tubular Bells
Listening 3: Marimbas NGoyen
by Steve Reich.
A Feature of Minimalism is change. Write
down two changes you hear in this
piece.
1.
2.
Performance: Tubular Bells by
Mike Oldfield.
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The piece you are going to play is
broken down into 4 layers.
Try to combine all four layers with your
partner!
Listening Example
1.
2.
How does this piece of music make you
feel?
How would you describe it to someone
who had never heard it?
Minimalism composition.
Chords to use:
EGB
DGB
CGB
CGBb
Things to include:
Melody/tune.
Bass line.
Chords.
A simple melody using the notes
E F# G A B
A short repeated 4 note
pattern using the notes E D C C
Using the notes above – play them
with your melody and bass.
Evaluation Questions
Was the piece of music successful?
2. What were its strong points?
3. What were its weaker points, and how could it have been
improved?
4. Did the piece fulfil the task requirements? Specify?
Answer these questions about your group and yourself.
5. Did your group have a leader, or was it run
democratically?
6. Did you feel that your were playing a part in your group
that matched your ability as a musician? Explain.
1.
Why is Vicky Pollard like a
minimalist composition?
Think about your answer!!