This accessible yet informative book, the first in its area aimed at a
general readership, offers a unique overview of the controversial
musical style of Minimalism - a name originally attributed to the
movement as a derogatory term, in the same way as Impressionism was
first derisively labelled by art critics. Minimalism, perhaps best
represented by the American composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass, has
always had a mixed reception and is both reviled and revered in equal
measure. This book looks at the development of this notorious style and
discusses the conflicting opinions surrounding it, while considering the
music itself and those that create it within their social, cultural and
historical contexts.