Meaning: The quote by Harrison Birtwistle provides insight into the concept of minimalism in music and its evolution as a reaction to preceding musical movements. Minimalism, as a musical genre, emerged in the mid-20th century and became a prominent feature of contemporary music. The quote suggests that minimalism is a response to the music that preceded it, reflecting the changing trends and influences within the musical landscape.

Minimalism in music is characterized by simplicity, repetition, and a focus on the fundamental elements of sound. It often involves the use of limited musical material and a reduction of complexity in favor of clarity and directness. This departure from the intricacies of previous musical styles represents a shift in artistic expression and a new approach to composition.

Birtwistle's reference to minimalism as "absolutely of its time" emphasizes the temporal context of the genre. Minimalist music emerged during a period of significant cultural and artistic change, and its characteristics reflect the ethos of that era. The minimalist movement was part of a broader shift towards experimentation and innovation in the arts, responding to the complexities and avant-garde tendencies of preceding musical styles.

The quote also alludes to the influence of set theory on music and its subsequent departure. Set theory, a mathematical concept applied to music by composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, involved the use of twelve-tone technique and serialism. These methods sought to organize musical material in a systematic and predetermined manner, often resulting in complex and atonal compositions. Minimalism can be seen as a reaction against the perceived rigidity and intellectualism of set theory, opting instead for a more intuitive and accessible approach to musical creation.

Birtwistle's acknowledgment that music "moved into the set theory thing, and moved out of it" highlights the dynamic nature of musical evolution. Minimalism, as a reaction to the complexities of set theory and serialism, offered a departure from the established norms and a return to more elemental forms of musical expression. This transition reflects the ever-changing nature of artistic movements and the continual search for new modes of creative expression.

In summary, Harrison Birtwistle's quote encapsulates the idea that minimalism in music is a product of its time, emerging as a reaction to preceding musical movements such as set theory. It signifies a shift towards simplicity, repetition, and clarity, in contrast to the complexities of earlier compositional methods. By contextualizing minimalism within the broader trajectory of musical evolution, the quote sheds light on the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in the realm of contemporary music.