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In the world of American art music, Minimalism is another push away from traditional music.  It’s earliest beginnings are found in the 1950’s again, with two American composers;  Steve Reich (b.1936) and Philip Glass (b.1937).  Reich, Glass, and another minimalist, John Adams, were all heavily influenced by mid-century popular music.  Together, they’re known as the ‘big three’ in minimalist music.  The founders of minimalist music absorbed a wide range of sonic influences – African rhythms, Indian ragas, bebop, rock and roll to create something startlingly original.   It abounds in film scores, pop albums, jazz riffs, and other forms of more experimental music.

Jazz and rock were influenced by minimalism, too.  Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Pat Matheny all wrote music that show minimalism's influences.  So does the music of Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Radiohead - just to name a few!



In This Episode:
Steve Reich

Phillip Glass

John Adams

Miles Davis

John Cage

Pat Matheny and Lyle Mays

Brian Eno

David Bowie

Peter Gabriel

Kraftwerk

Tangerine Dream

Radiohead

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