Which characteristic distinguishes the music of Philip Glass?

The music of Philip Glass is particularly distinguished by its repetitive and drawn-out melodies, which are hallmarks of his style known as minimalism. This technique involves the use of short, simple musical phrases that are repeated and gradually transformed over time. In Glass's compositions, such melodic structures create a hypnotic effect and allow for deep exploration of musical ideas. This approach emphasizes the process of change rather than dramatic contrasts, which is a central component of minimalist music.

While complex rhythms, lyrical content, and improvisation are important elements in many musical styles, they do not encapsulate the core of Glass's compositional approach in the same way. His focus on layering and extending melodic motifs sets his work apart within the contemporary classical music landscape, making the characteristic of repetitive and drawn-out melodies central to understanding his music.