Minimalism (mɪnəməlɪzəm) refers to a style of music that emphasizes economy of sounds. Minimalist music generally does not follow the typical organization of songs and pieces into verse, chorus and bridge sections but instead flows through various harmonic patterns throughout a song and is often repetitive. This style of music can also have more periods of silence than other styles, and may also lack the crescendos and decrescendos common with more evocative music. Well-known minimalist composers include Phillip Glass, Terry Riley, La Monte Young and Steve Reich. These composers are all Americans, and the style is considered postmodern, having developed around the 1960’s in the San Francisco area. The Velvet Underground has minimalist influences.