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Minimal Impact

Minimal Impact: Episode 2: Jesus' Blood and Fluffy Clouds

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Episode 2

Episode 2: Jesus' Blood and Fluffy Clouds

Jesus' Blood and Fluffy Clouds

BBC Radio 4 - Minimal Impact, Jesus' Blood and Fluffy Clouds

The story of the musical aesthetic and the ubiquitous technique of minimalism.

British composers consider how the aesthetic and techniques of minimal music migrated from the America of Steve Reich and Philip Glass to every corner of modern musical life.

The story of the musical aesthetic and the ubiquitous technique of minimalism.

Fifty years since the emergence of a challenging new 'art school' attitude to musical composition emerged in the United States - in the work of Terry Riley, Steve Reich and others - various techniques associated with 'minimalism' have been absorbed into every aspect of modern musical life, from the pop industry and dance scene, to film scores and religious music, as well as contemporary concert music.

In this second episode, British composers trace how the minimalist aesthetic has informed music as diverse as John Tavener's Song for Athene and The Orb's Little Fluffy Clouds. Contributors include Gavin Bryars, composer of the iconic Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet, film and dance composer Jocelyn Pook, Indian percussion player and composer Talvin Singh, Alex Paterson of The Orb and the most minimal of English composers Laurence Crane.

Produced by Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Composers trace the origins of the aesthetic of musical minimalism and follow the ubiquitous influence of its techniques in film, pop and concert music.

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Episode 2: Jesus' Blood and Fluffy Clouds

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