Minimalism and its Influence on Electronic Music

Minimalism is a style of music that uses small cells of music to create entire compositions. Minimalism developed in the 1960s as a reaction to early 20th century art music which included complex and sometimes dissonant styles such as Expressionism and Serialism. Minimalist pieces avoid the sudden changes of expression and focus on tiny cells of music which are repeated many times; only with small changes the music gradually transforms itself. Often music technology is used in minimalistic performances. Minimalism has gone on to directly impact on techno, club, dance, ambient and other contemporary electronic forms of music.

Here's a short history of minimalism - click on the link and read the article:
http://www.factmag.com/2010/02/01/a-brief-history-of-minimalism/

The main composers of Minimalism and its extensions are:
- Steve Reich (as pictured)
- Philip Glass
- Terry Riley
- John Adams
- Mike Oldfield
- Brian Eno

Adapted from TES Australia

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