Easy Listening?
Series about 20th century music shows how American composers re-invented the sound of classical music into a more simple form, bringing back harmonies and rhythms.
The series concludes with the focus shifting to the United States in the post-war years of the 1950s and beyond. Beginning with arguably the most notorious work of 20th century classical music, John Cage's 'silent' composition 4'33", it looks at how a series of maverick Americans re-invented the sound of classical music into a more simple form, bringing back harmonies and rhythms that made it increasingly popular with audiences across the world. It also examines how this music found its way into a spiritual realm, with the strain of pared-down religious composition that came to be known as 'holy minimalism'.
From the Maverick concert hall in Woodstock, New York to an Orthodox cathedral in Estonia to a car park in Peckham, south London, the story is told by a stellar line-up of contributors including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, John Adams, Arvo P盲rt and John Tavener.
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"I must confess I鈥檝e never been so in awe.鈥 Read series producer Ian MacMillan鈥檚 post
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How modern classical music got its groove back
Duration: 02:21
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Director | Ian MacMillan |
Series Producer | Ian MacMillan |
Executive Producer | Roy Ackerman |
Celebrate 20th Century music with The Open University
Explore the world of 20th Century classical and avant-garde music