The hidden power of minimalist scores in modern cinema
In the vast world of film music, certain scores transcend genres, sticking to your memory not because of their grandiosity, but because of their minimalism. Over the past decade, minimalist scores have gained traction in modern cinema, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. These scores strip away the extraneous, focusing on subtlety and nuance to create a profound emotional impact. But what lies beneath their simple exterior, and why have they become so effective in contemporary filmmaking?
The concept of minimalist music isn’t new. It has its roots in the 1960s with composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich, who are maestros of repetition and reduction. These composers laid the groundwork for what would become an evocative approach in film scoring. Minimalist scores focus on using fewer instruments and repetitive structures to craft intricate soundscapes, wholly unlike the more traditional sweeping orchestral soundtracks of yesteryears.
A notable example of minimalist scoring is Johann Johannsson's work on
The concept of minimalist music isn’t new. It has its roots in the 1960s with composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich, who are maestros of repetition and reduction. These composers laid the groundwork for what would become an evocative approach in film scoring. Minimalist scores focus on using fewer instruments and repetitive structures to craft intricate soundscapes, wholly unlike the more traditional sweeping orchestral soundtracks of yesteryears.
A notable example of minimalist scoring is Johann Johannsson's work on