Who is considered a pioneer of the minimalist movement?

The minimalist movement in music is characterized by its focus on simplicity, repetition, and gradual transformation of musical ideas. Philip Glass is recognized as a pioneer of this movement due to his innovative compositional style that emphasizes minimalist techniques. He often employs repetitive structures, working within a limited number of musical ideas and evolving them gradually. This approach is evident in his operas, film scores, and concert works, which have significantly influenced contemporary music. While other artists like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Louis Armstrong made profound contributions to jazz and other genres, they do not embody the principles of minimalism in the same way that Glass does. Their work would be rooted in different musical traditions and concepts, making Glass the clear choice for representing the minimalist movement.