Transcript Minimalism - Steve Reich

6C Minimalism – Unit 6: Electronic and
Experimental Music
♫ KS4 Music ♫
Minimalism
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Listening activity
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Learning objectives
To recognize the key features of
minimalist compositions
To learn about the life and works of
minimalist composer Steve Reich.
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Less is more
Minimalism is a term used to describe types of visual art
and music that are stripped down to their most basic forms.
In art, minimalist works often
feature large blocks of colour.
This is a minimalist
representation of a flower.
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‘ism’s in music
Many minimalist composers began their careers writing
serial pieces.
The serial technique was, however, found to be too
restrictive in terms of its expressive qualities.
Minimalism is said to allow composers more freedom
of expression.
♫ Listen to an extract from a minimalist piece and
write down three words describing what you hear. ♫
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Case study: Steve Reich
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