Philip Glass

Powaqqatsi is Hopi for "life in transformation" and the 1988 film, the second in a trilogy, focused on the juxtaposition of traditional and modern cultural experience in emerging nations. Glass's minimalist template relies heavily on percussion and shifting movements of choirs, sounding in some places like particularly well-orchestrated world music and in others a little Vangelis-y. Still, the jubilant "Serra Pelada" is one of Glass moments, and possibly makes the best use ever of a gym whistle.