Music A-Level
Minimalism and ostinato
What Minimalism and ostinato means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Minimalism and ostinato
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Reference: AQA
Building tension through slow harmonic changes and dynamic swells rather than complex melodic development, with repetitive ostinatos and slow harmonic rhythm.
Topics that use Minimalism and ostinato
- Area of study 3: Music for media - Named composers (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Ambient and atmospheric textures
- Harmonic dissonance and tension
- Integration of technology and orchestra
- Leitmotif
- Minimalist techniques and ostinatos
- Motivic development and ostinato
- Music and psychological narrative
- Non-functional and modal harmony
Using Minimalism and ostinato in the exam
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