Analysis of Minimalist Music in Steve Reich's "Clapping Music" during the of 20th Century Music Era

Abstract

This academic article aims to study and analyze the minimalist music genre through the composition Clapping Music by Steve Reich, one of the key pioneers of the minimalist music movement in the 20th century. The study focuses on a structural analysis of the composition, particularly distinguishing rhythmic patterns and comparing the rhythmic relationship between the two performers. The analysis process includes examining the simplicity and repetition of the rhythm in the composition, as well as connecting it to the distinctive characteristics of the minimalist music style.

The study found that Clapping Music is composed in a 12/8 time signature for two performers, featuring a total of 13 rhythmic patterns, repeated in each cycle. Performer 1 maintains the same rhythmic pattern throughout all 13 cycles, while Performer 2 changes the rhythmic pattern with each cycle. The relationship between these two approaches demonstrates both balance and contrast within the composition. Effective practice requires rehearsing with a metronome and developing a deep understanding of each performer's rhythm to achieve precision and cohesiveness in the performance.