TECHNIQUES

On the next slides, listen to the pieces while reviewing the facts about them, and think about the specific questions posed.  The audio is an edit from different points throughout the pieces.

Facts:

Questions:

1)  What are the raw sound materials (not the tools) used?
 

2)  What did you hear that suggested which tools might be used?

3)  What compositional process (not technology) might be used?  What did you hear that suggested it?

Process

Alvin Lucier

I Am Sitting in a Room
(1969)

Facts:

Questions:

1)  What are the raw sound materials (not the tools) used?
 

2)  What did you hear that suggested which tools might be used?

3)  What compositional process (not technology) might be used?  What did you hear that suggested it?

Again, listen to the audio while considering the facts & questions...

Phasing

Steve Reich

Come Out (1966)
It's Gonna Rain (1965)

Pendulum Music (1968)

Violin Phase (1979)

Steve Reich & Alvin Lucier

Steve Reich

Pendulum Music (1968)

Additive/Subtractive

Philip Glass

Einstein on the Beach (1976)

adding an 1/8th-note, from "Train 1"

Terry Riley

In C
(1964)

CONCEPTS

Working Backwards to Minimalism

Go as far as possible using minimal materials

But not necessarily sparse or spare results

Minimalism

• Uses simple musical building-blocks assembled into larger works
   
• Process is important and audible
   
• Strong sense of repetition and pulse
   
• Desire to connect with broader audiences