On Minimalism: Kerry O'Brien and William Robin in conversation

Nov 2, 2023

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Today, the Spotlight shines On Kerry O’Brien and William Robin, co-authors of the book On Minimalism: Documenting a Musical Movement from University of California Press.

Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Terry Riley and LaMonte Young are stereotypically described as the “Big Four” of minimalism in music. While On Minimalism does nothing to undermine or belittle their pioneering and important contributions to the form, the authors widen the aperture to show a broader scope to the music, from its beginnings in the psychedelic counterculture through its present-day influences on ambient jazz, doom metal, and electronic music. The book encompasses figures as diverse as Yoko Ono and Brian Eno, John and Alice Coltrane, Pauline Oliveros and Julius Eastman, as well as many other well-and-little-known names and subgenres. There is also a much due focus on the contributions of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ musicians. I loved this book and I think listeners to this podcast will as well.

Enjoy Kerry O’Brian and William Robin, on minimalism.

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On Minimalism: a Spotify Playlist

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