Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Music Honours
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Faculty
Faculty of Education and Arts
First Supervisor
Dr Jonathan Paget
Abstract
This dissertation aims to investigate musical minimalism and its influence on the classical guitar repertoire. Minimalism is defined through a taxonomy of minimalist techniques and the use of minimalist techniques is then traced through a preliminary survey of the guitar repertoire. While classical minimalists Steve Reich and Terry Riley have written several guitar works, the true pioneer of minimalism on the guitar is shown to be Cuban composer Leo Brouwer. Use of minimalist techniques is also particularly prevalent among Australian composers, including Nigel Westlake, Peter Sculthorpe, Robert Davidson, and Phillip Houghton. Curiously, a large number of guitar works employ minimalist techniques in evocation of landscapes. Additionally, minimalist techniques have been used extensively in the burgeoning genre of guitar ensemble, including works by Leo Brouwer, Steve Reich, David Pritchard, and Joe Duddell.
Recommended Citation
Branson, M. C. (2011). Minimalism and the guitar. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/35