top of page

Lesson 1: Minimalist features

Practise and perform the arrangement of Divenire as a class. 

Your teacher will record a performance (audio or visual) and upload it to this class blog. 

Minimalist Features: 

(In your own words, define these features.

Examples for some of these features are given.) 

  • Repetition 

  • Patterns (rhythmic and melodic) 

  • Drone

  • Ostinato

  • Layering

  • Note Addition/Subtraction  

  • Metamorphosis

  • Phasing

  • Rhythmic Displacement  

  • Static Harmony 

  • Augmentation/Diminution 

  • Inversion, Retrograde, Retrograde Inversion 

  • Gradual Textural Changes

  • Clear Tonal Centre/Tonal Ambiguity 

Analysis Task: 

  • Choose one of your two minimalist works (from HW)

  • Which minimalist features are present? 

  • Present your chosen work and findings to the class. 

  • Provide some audio or notational examples. 

YOUR TURN! 

You have two options in this composition task: 

​

1. Compose a short work (no more than 16 bars) that uses some of the minimalist features listed above. You may even choose to use sound files or recordings (rather than traditional notation). 

Post your completed composition (score and recording) in the blog post 'Week 4 Lesson 1: Minimalist Composition.'

Your composition portfolio must include: 

  • Score

  • Your score should include annotations showing which minimalist features you used/were inspired by.   

  • You are encouraged to also document any compositional process or influences. 

If you have chosen to do your composition with sound files or recordings, write an analysis explaining: 

  • Where you sourced your material

  • Which minimalist features you applied

  • Your process of developing your short composition

​

2. Arrange your Composition 1 (completed last lesson) so that it reflects Minimalism. You may choose to add some features e.g. drone, ostinato or alter some of your ideas using the features listed above. 

Post your completed composition (score and recording) in the blog post 'Week 4 Lesson 1: Minimalist Composition.'

Your composition portfolio must include: 

  • Score

  • Your score should include annotations showing which minimalist features you used/were inspired by.   

  • You are encouraged to also document any compositional process or influences. 

Lesson 2: Practice Exam Question, Performance Prac.

Practice Exam Question: HSC Music 2 (2004, Q4)

Aural Skills:

Dictation 4

Aural Skills:

Sight Singing Exercise 7 

You have the remainder of this class to work on your core and/or elective performances. You will each get some one on one time with the teacher. 

If you have not submitted your minimalist composition and analysis, complete it before beginning your practice. 

bottom of page