Music is often associated with complexity, development, and change. However, in the mid-20th century, a revolutionary movement emerged that challenged this understanding, centering on simplicity and repetition: minimalist music. This movement, adopting the philosophy of "less is more," reduces music to its most essential elements and creates a hypnotic and profound effect on the listener through the slow transformation of these simple patterns.

Minimalist music was born as a reaction against the complex and intellectual avant-garde music movements of its time. Pioneering composers like La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass showed that music could be not just a progressing narrative, but also a state to be "in," an auditory environment. Their goal was not to drag the listener through a story, but to draw them into a sound texture and alter their perception of time.

Repetition lies at the core of this music. A simple melody or rhythmic pattern is repeated for long periods with very little change. This constant repetition may initially seem monotonous or boring to the listener. However, as you continue to listen patiently, your mind begins to catch the tiny, almost imperceptible changes within these repetitions. This is an experience that changes the way we listen to music.

Steve Reich's "phasing" technique is one of the most innovative ideas of minimalism. Reich plays the same sound recording on two different tapes, but one slightly faster than the other. The sounds, initially in unison, slowly separate from each other over time, creating echoes and complex rhythmic patterns, and eventually reuniting. His works like "It's Gonna Rain" or "Come Out" are proof of how rich and complex a sound world this simple process can create.

Philip Glass, on the other hand, often uses repeated arpeggios and a technique called "additive process." In this technique, as a small musical cell is constantly repeated, new notes are added to or subtracted from it with each repetition. This allows the music to grow or shrink organically, as if it were slowly breathing in and out. His music for films like "Koyaanisqatsi" are the most famous examples of how powerful and emotional an effect this technique can create.

Listening to minimalist music requires a different state of mind. Instead of waiting for the next chorus or the next section as in traditional music, you need to focus on the texture, timbre, and subtle changes within the sound of the moment. This can create a calming, meditative, and even trance-inducing effect. The flow of time slows down, and the listener gets lost in the sound.

This movement was deeply influenced not only by Western classical music but also by world music. The polyrhythmic structures of African percussion and the long, meditative nature of Indian ragas were significant sources of inspiration for minimalist composers. This is another indicator of the universal and cross-cultural nature of music.

The influence of minimalism was not confined to its own field. Ambient music artists like Brian Eno were inspired by the atmospheric and static soundscapes created by minimalism. Electronic dance music, especially techno and house, is fundamentally built on the idea of minimalist repetition. Film score composers also frequently use the pulsating, repetitive rhythms of minimalist music to create a sense of tension or suspense.

Minimalist music reminds us that beauty is not always in complexity or novelty. Sometimes the deepest meanings are hidden in the patient and careful processing of the simplest ideas.

This music offers an antidote to the noise and speed of modern life. It invites us to slow down, to listen, and to be present in the moment.

When listening to a minimalist piece, you feel as if you are watching a landscape that is constantly changing but essentially the same, rather than being on a journey towards a destination. This shows that music can be not just an "event," but a "process."

This movement expanded the definitions of what music could be and inspired countless artists. It is not just a technique, but also a philosophy, a way of listening.

So, when you want to clear your mind and have a different musical experience, let yourself go with the hypnotic arpeggios of Philip Glass or the rhythmic patterns of Steve Reich. Be patient and allow the music to transport you to its own time and space.

Because sometimes the richest universes are hidden within the simplest repetitions.