Effects of Minimalist Music on Electronic Music

Year 2018, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 153 - 162, 15.03.2018

Ruken Güleryüz

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Minimalism, in modernism, is an important art movement,
which emerged in America in 1960s. Opposite to the intense statement of
abstract expressionism, minimalism emphasizes purity, simplicity, clarity and
objectivity. It is influenced by the mysticism and spiritual philosophy of the
East. In music with a similar approach it is aimed to achieve pure, simple,
hypnotic impact creation. Therefore it uses simplification of melody, form,
instrumentation, and notation. It elaborates the general sensation of the work
without allowing the focus of audience. This approach exists specifically
within the sub categories of our daily electronic music such as IDM, Chill Out,
or Ambient.  While, minimalists represent
this with partitur, electronic musicians actualize this through the
creation of “loop”, small motifs that are juxtaposed in sequence with the help
of musical programs in digital environment. This study will examine the common
ground of the production of minimalism and electronic music and mention briefly
the reasons.  

Keywords

Minimalism, phasing, loop, electronic music, Steve Reich

Minimalist Müziğin Elektronik Müzik Üzerine Etkisi

Abstract

Minimalizm,
modernizm içerisinde, 1960’larda Amerika’da ortaya çıkan önemli bir sanat
akımıdır. Soyut dışavurumculuğun yoğun anlatımına tepki olarak, sadeliği,
yalınlığı, netliği, objenin obje olma özelliğini vurgular. Doğu’nun
mistisizminden ve ruhani felsefesinden etkilenmiştir. Müzikte benzer bir
yaklaşımla, eserlerde yalın, sade ve hipnotik bir etki yaratılması
amaçlanmıştır. Armoni, melodi, form, enstrümantasyon ve notasyonda
sadeleştirilmeye gidilmiştir. Dinleyicinin odaklanmasına imkân verilmeksizin,
eserin genel duygusunu yakalamasına özen gösterilmiştir. Bu yaklaşım, özellikle
günümüz elektronik müziğinin IDM, Chill Out ya da Ambient gibi bazı alt
türlerinde de varlığını sürdürmektedir. Minimalistler bunu
partitür üzerinde sunarken elektronik müzisyenler dijital ortamda müzik
programlarıyla “loop” adı verilen küçük motiflerin art arda getirilerek,
yavaşça değiştirilmesi şeklinde gerçekleştirirler. Bu çalışmada minimalizm ile
elektronik müzik üretimindeki ortak noktalardan bahsedilecek ve nedenlerine
kısaca değinilecektir. 

Keywords

loop, phasing, electronic music, minimalism

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