Which composer is a leading figure in Minimalism?

• A. Philip Glass
• B. Johann Sebastian Bach
• C. John Cage
• D. Antonio Vivaldi

Answer: (A)

Minimalism in music emphasizes repetition of simple patterns, a steady pulse, and gradual change over long spans to create an evolving texture. Philip Glass stands out as a leading figure in this movement because his works build rich, intricate music from small, repeating motifs and interlocking layers, letting momentum arise from subtle shifts rather than dramatic changes. Pieces like Einstein on the Beach and Glass Pieces showcase this approach, with persistent patterns that slowly transform, shaping a distinctive minimalist sound that influenced many composers and film scores. By contrast, Bach and Vivaldi come from the Baroque era with ornate counterpoint and structured forms, while John Cage explored chance and other avant-garde ideas beyond the minimalist framework.