This
week we are exploring Minimalism in both art and music. On Monday we looked at
Frank Stella as an example of a Minimalist painter. How do characteristics of
Minimalism find their way into music?
Steve
Reich is an example of a composer who uses Minimalism in his music. His 1967 Piano Phase is a fascinating work that
exemplifies Minimalist features. Composed for two pianos, the duo begins by
repeating the same figure in unison multiple times. Eventually, one pianist
pulls ahead, putting them out of sync with one another and causing dissonance.
They repeat this new figure several times, rhythmically still the same but
melodically different. This process of one pianist pulling ahead continues
until both pianists are back playing together in unison at the end. The use of
repetition and simple forms and procedures classifies this as Minimalism.
Listen
to Reich’s Piano Phase and let me
know if you enjoy Minimalism in music.
