I’m currently chin deep into a research project studying the Totalistic movement of the 90s. In short, the Totalistic movement was based in downtown NYC and involved postminimal composers interested in creating music that appeals to casual and serious listeners using a minimalistic backdrop. Unfortunately, there isn’t too much written about this movement beyond the writings of Kyle Gann. With this is mind, I am having to broaden the research back to minimalism, which led me to a book titled “Repeating Ourselves, Minimalism as Cultural Practice” by Robert Fink. Even though though this is a fascinating read, most of the musical examples provided in the book are staples from the minimalistic movement. I already know these, and it’s nice to stumble across pieces I’m not familiar with. Today one example that I’m not familiar with appeared in a chapter comparing minimalism to TV advertisement. Finally, something new to me! (Maybe I like minimalism/postminimalism a bit too much).
Anyways, the piece is call “Hoketus” by Louis Andriessen. The title reveals the technique used to construct the piece. The technique is borrowed from old Medieval music called the hocket. This is cool technique where composite rhythms and melodies are generated by alternating patterns.
I particularly enjoy the shifts starting at 8:00 in Part I. It’s also really awesome listening with nice headphones.
