He was tuned into Eastern philosophies and introduced the concept of chance, music composed with coin-tossing procedures from I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes. Mr. Cage's work is reflected in works today by performance artist Pauline Oliveros, whose eclectic style embraces mixed media, improvisation, electronic sounds, dance, film, theater and audience participation. Meredith Monk is also celebrated for her multimedia theater pieces. Other free spirits include Lou Harrison, Henry Cowell, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Harry Partch and Conlon Nancarrow. As modern music became more complex, some composers reacted with a new simplicity.
Minimalism is based on the hypnotic repetition of small patterns over long periods.
Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Philip Glass belong to this founding group of minimalists. For instance, Mr. Gordon's music is rooted in minimalism and alternative rock and is aggressive and, at times, assaultive. Chances are you've heard some of these composers at the symphony, because orchestras are more willing to program this accessible music. A generation of Eastern European composers sought ways to express forbidden, often religious ideas in their music. Their style is spiritual and tonal, with music moving slowly with subtle rhythmic and harmonic changes.