The minimalist movement, which first appeared in the United States in the mid-1960s, was for a long time closely associated with the avant-garde but over the years it has gained a much wider audience and established itself as a major milestone in contemporary music.

Terry Riley, La Monte Young, Steve Reich and Philip Glass, all Americans, are regarded as its pioneers. While the minimalists have found an echo with wider audiences beyond that of classical music alone, their output has often been criticised by commentators who have judged their musical aims to be simplistic or superficial. A misunderstanding that Vanessa Wagner and Wilhem Latchoumia are keen to clear up.