The key features of minimalism
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify key features of minimalism.
Key learning points
- Music can often be identified as fitting within a certain genre by its key features.
- Minimalism consists of short, repetitive musical cells.
- Ostinato is a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently.
- Cells are the building blocks (structure) of a minimalist piece of music.
- The use of repetition in music is an effective musical tool.
Keywords
Minimalism - a musical genre originating from the 1960s that includes the layering of multiple short, repeated musical ideas (cells) that subtly change over time
Minimalist - a composer who creates new music in the style of minimalism
Cell - simple musical patterns that can be rhythmic or melodic (on ostinato in minimalism)
Ostinato - a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic
Repetition - reusing musical ideas, patterns or phrases to make the music more memorable, add impact or create a musical structure
Common misconception
Musical genres have rules to follow, and styles never mix or borrow ideas from each other.
Like the rainbow, music is a continuing spectrum of ideas, with genres of blending and merging into each other, borrowing, sharing and adapting key features and ideas.
Teacher tip
Finding a video performance of Clapping Music is very helpful as watching the musicians can help pupils stay in time.
Licence
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