Minimalism is a music genre characterized by simplicity, repetition, and gradual variation, often featuring limited melodic motifs, steady rhythms, and sparse instrumentation, including pianos, synthesizers, and acoustic instruments. Emerging in the 1960s, minimalism sought to strip away complexities, creating a meditative, introspective atmosphere. The genre flourished in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United States and Europe, with its cultural significance lying in its challenge to traditional musical structures and its reflection of the era's societal changes. Minimalism's hypnotic, ambient qualities influenced the development of ambient, electronic, and contemporary classical music, while its use of repetition and phasing techniques drew parallels with African and Asian musical traditions. What sets minimalism apart is its ability to evoke profound emotional depth through subtle, incremental changes, creating a unique sonic experience that continues to captivate audiences.

Reflection

Tamsin Waley-Cohen•

Huw Watkins

Album - 13 Tracks - Released February 6, 2026