American Minimal Music

This insightful book examines the evolution and impact of minimal music, highlighting key composers like Terry Riley and Philip Glass.

The book American Minimal Music offers a comprehensive exploration of the works of influential composers such as Terry Riley, La Monte Young, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. It delves into the ideological and historical contexts surrounding minimal music, tracing its roots and evolution. This text stands out as the first dedicated volume to the American school of repetitive music, often referred to as minimal music, providing readers with invaluable insights into its development.

In American Minimal Music, the author contextualizes the early compositions of these notable figures within the framework of traditional Western music. By examining the connections between minimal music and earlier avant-garde movements led by composers like Schoenberg, Webern, Stockhausen, and Cage, the book illustrates how minimalism represents a significant evolution in the musical landscape. This historical perspective enriches the reader's understanding of how these artists contributed to the genre.

Furthermore, the book engages with philosophical concepts from thinkers such as Deleuze, Lyotard, and Adorno, investigating the presence of an 'ecstatic dimension' in minimal music. The author raises thought-provoking questions about how this dimension is manifested or intentionally incorporated into the works of these composers. Through this multifaceted approach, American Minimal Music not only serves as a critical analysis of the genre but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of minimalism in contemporary music and culture.