Your Favorite Modern Classic Style

 

Ghandi 2, here is my take on minimalism. Please keep in mind that I am not a musicologist so this is just my opinion. Minimalism doesn't necessarily mean minimal arrangements. I believe the term refers to the use of simple triadic harmonies in the scores. Unlike romantic era composers and also jazz performers who use greatly extended harmonies (chords with 9ths 11ths and 13ths) minimalist composers will stick primarily with simple major and minor sonorities and maybe an occassional 7th. This is very noticeable in a lot of Glass' works for example. He frequently uses arpeggiated triads. Those arpeggios very often form an ostinato motive which will very subtly and gradually change over the course of the 10-20 minutes. It's sometimes quite striking to hear the difference between the beginning of one of his pieces and the end. You don't even notice the change while listening but by the end it could be a completely different sound. This is a pretty typical minimalist technique. I'm not sure where you might hear samples of his work but I would recommend of few particular works. First is "Music in 12 Parts", which is very minimalist. Also there is "Music with Changing Parts" which is along the same lines. Glass actually has not been tremendously minimalist for a while (in my humble opinion). Check out the "qatsi" trilogy for some very cool, lusher stuff (Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqatsi, Naqoyqatsi).