Do "golden Age" fans like minimalism?

Steven Lloyd · **Posted:** Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:36 pm

At least one Golden Age fan does. (While Goldsmith and Barry are my favorites, Herrmann is the most powerful, and Alfred Newman probably the greatest film composer.)

That said, I love several Philip Glass scores and albums. However, I prefer POWAQQATSI to KOYAANISQATSI by a wide margin. My favorite Glass music might be the first half of DANCEPIECES -- not a film, but scores created for Twyla Tharp choreography.

Minimalist music can create an appealingly hypnotic effect; detractors, of course, reply to that sarcastically. But there are plenty of Herrmann cues which I can appreciate the same way.

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:27 pm

This Golden Age collector also loves Phillip Glass, Steven Reich and Michael Nyman. My collection includes many Glass CDs, film scores as well as classical compositions. I listened to THE ILLUSIONIST just yesterday. How is the new KOYAANISQATSI? (The trilogy is brilliant!) If I purchase the new one, and I suspect I will, it will be my fourth purchase of this score. :shock:

The cell structure, used by Glass, in my mind, somewhat simulates the mindfulness quality of "flow" associated with Zen Buddhism, being very much in the moment and focused on the variations and repetition of that cell structure in the music. You are probably aware that Glass is a Buddhist practitioner. I recall a conversation with a woman from LA, at TIFF, and she mentioned to me that she meditates to KOYAANISQUATSI. I have tried it, but it doesn't work for me. I prefer to use my breath.

Regardless, listening to Glass is a different experience than focusing on themes and dramatic meaning. The Buddhist idea of emptiness (potential) might be a useful door opener. I liked Steven's idea of mesmerizing and the reference to Bennie Herrmann's use of musical cells.

BB

Swashbuckler · **Posted:** Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:30 pm

I think it might be relevant to point out that Bernard Herrmann's music would be structured in ways that are very similar to what we call minimalism today. Cues such as "Radar" from The Day the Earth Stood Still, for example.

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Do "golden Age" fans like minimalism?

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