Counterpoint Examples: 20th & 21st Century Minimalist

One of the styles that evolved after the 12-tone, dissonant, academic counterpoint of the early and middle 20th century was Minimalism. It was pioneered by LaMont Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. They embraced repetitive, rhythmic music with layers of independent lines and a high degree of stasis. Many notable composers expanded Minimalist concepts, including John C. Adams and Louis Andriessen.

La Monte Young (1935)

Trio for Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello)    [YouTube]  begin at 3:25

Terry Riley (1935)

In C (1964)  [PDF]  [YouTube]
A Rainbow in Curved Air   [YouTube]

Steve Reich (1936)

It’s Gonna Rain (Dual Tape Recorders)    [YouTube]  beginning to 7:47
Clapping Music  [PDF] [YouTube
Drumming  [YouTube]
Piano Phase  [PDF] [YouTube]
Music for 18 Musicians
(Mixed Chamber)  [YouTube]
Desert Music
(Mixed Chamber)  [YouTube]

Philip Glass (1937)

Mad Rush (1979)  (Piano)  [YouTube
Glassworks (1982)  (Mixed Chamber)  [YouTube
Einstein on the Beach, Dance 2 (Opera)  [YouTube

John C. Adams (1947)

Shaker Loops (1982)   [YouTube]
A Short Ride in a Fast Machine (Orchestra)  [YouTube]
Naïve and Sentimental Music (Orchestra)  [YouTube]

Louis Andriessen (1939-2021)

De Staat (1976)  [YouTube
De Stijl (1985)  [YouTube

William Duckworth (1943-2012)

The Time Curve Preludes (Piano)   [YouTube]

Klaus Schulze (1942-2022)

Timewind (Synthesis and Recordings)   [YouTube
Into the Blue (Synthesis and Recordings)   [YouTube
Sense (Synthesis and Recordings)   [YouTube]  

Vangelis (1943-2022)

Soil Festivities, Mvt. 1   [YouTube]

Scroll to Top