10 Characteristics of Minimalism
1. The structure of the piece can be easy to understand, even though it sounds very complex.
2. It can contain very little pitches (1-2), one chord, one chord progression, but this varies between composers
3. Repetition is very common in minimalist pieces. There are small changes gradually over time, though.
4. Additive rhythm is a change that can happen during repetition. Starting with a basic rhythmic pattern and adding notes, measures, or phrases as the pieces moves along. This can lead to a mathematically planned progression. One player can get an additive rhythm while another’s may not, which results in an out of sync feeling.
5. Phase shifting/phasing may occur, which is also a gradual change that involves having two players whose parts are in sync but then one player accelerates just a bit, so the parts will fall out of sync, but then they can move back into sync over time. A visual example is like two cars putting on their blinkers at the same time. Sometimes, the lights will flash at the same time, but they will fall in and out of sync.
6. Rhythmic displacement is a change of rhythm, by shifting it over by a beat, or a fraction of one, which changes where the pulse is felt.
7. There will be a drone, steady beat, and narrow range of the rhythmic motives.
8. These characteristics can be classified under linear transformation- the sound gradually changes over time using one or a combination of the processes above.
9. Static instrumentation, which means almost everyone is playing at the same time all of the time.
10. Metamusic- repetition of chords/notes with multiple instruments can create interesting musical overtones that float or drone above the rest of the music. (Steve Reich)
This Riley piece, entitled “In C” shows an example of the set up of a score for a minimalistic piece, which includes repetitive rhythms with slight changes over long periods of time.