Lecture 32

Electronic music, Minimalism and Beyond

Composers must forge forms out of the many influences that play upon them and never close their ears to any part of the world of sound. —Henry Cowell

music in the postmodern age

first, there's a short history of electronic music; then, we get to know what minimalism is all about, listening to music of Steve Reich, Philip Glass and John Adams; finally we look at 2 late modernists, who specialize in creating sound masses

Topics covered:

Phillip Glass

electronic music
minimalism
Steve Reich
Philip Glass
John Adams
Gyorgy Ligeti
Krysztof Penderecki

Objectives:

understand the need to simplify in the minimalist style
hearing the sound complexes of Ligeti and Penderecki

Assignments:

watch lecture 32 (in multiple parts for quicker download)
review previous chapters, as necessary
read textbook, Chapter 27-28
As you are reading your textbook, go through the Listening Exercises in textbook sequence, listening to the examples provided.
regarding developing listening skills: you should be in the habit of developing your listening skills early in the game - the assignments will get more complex through the semester and you may find yourself unable to keep up. As simple as these early assignments may seem to some of you, they will help to keep you on the right track, and help you develop the skills required for a greater appreciation in listening to music, including the music that you listen to for your own enjoyment. Of course, those objectives are in total sync with the success you hope to have in this class. Remember that your ability to recognize the music on your CDs will be tested and will, of course, impact your grade.

Audio / Video lecture