Czech composer Petr Drkula is clearly influenced by the minimalist compositions of Glass, Reich, and Riley. Like the three leading minimalists, Drkula is interested in the use of repeating motifs as they phase in and out of each other. However, Drkula manages to be fresh and interesting. Drkula’s repetitive phrases aren’t really repetition . Each one shows slight variations in its execution. Shifting parameters keep your attention while you are entranced by the changing soundscape. There are a number of free online albums by this artist, each one with its own charms.

Metrospective is my personal favorite. The first track sets up three note piano lines that play on for an exhilarating five minutes then abruptly ends. “Slight Change” is a similar feat on organ. But the gem of the album is “Dim Outlines”, a quiet gem of beautiful sounds. Metrospective is an enjoyable three tracks and perfect for those who would like an introduction to minimalist music.

The next three albums have their own joys. The album simply titled 2 has two gamelan influenced tracks that mirror Steven Reich’s own excursion into rhythm and melody. Surfaces is a single 80 minutes track that is reminiscent of Riley’s epic organ pieces. Finally, Shaping is Drkula at his most characteristic with slightly changing phrases building on each other.

All albums are available in 192kbps MP3.

Download
Metrospective
2
Surfaces
Shaping