Minimalistic music

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A term that attempts to categorize music that exhibits some of the following characteristics: repeated melodic phrases, stasis, or long tones, repeated rhythmic patterns, and limited harmonic variety. In general, it refers to music with a narrow range of materials that is not goal oriented. In the last quarter of the 20th century, it began to have a pervasive influence on classical and popular music styles. Composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, La Monte Young, Terry Riley, and John Adams have been labeled minimalists. Their music is contrapuntal, and often based on a process.

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