Overview
This lecture covers the main styles and influential composers of 20th-century music, focusing on their innovations, techniques, and key characteristics.
Main Musical Styles of the 20th Century
- Major styles include Impressionism, Expressionism, Primitivism, Neoclassicism, Avant-Garde, Modern Nationalism, Electronic Music, and Chance Music.
- Composers explored new forms, harmonies, and rhythms, moving beyond traditional classical conventions.
Impressionism
- Focuses on suggestion and mood over precise musical images.
- Features vague melodies, innovative chords, and overlapping sounds for subtle musical colors.
- Key composers: Claude Debussy ("Clair de Lune," "La Mer") and Maurice Ravel ("Bolero," "Rhapsodie Espagnole").
- Debussy favored spontaneous forms; Ravel was meticulous and structured.
Expressionism
- Aims to express intense emotions through dissonance and atonality.
- Associated with Arnold Schoenberg, who invented the 12-tone system and composed complex, highly emotional works.
Primitivism & Neoclassicism
- Primitivism uses simple motifs and rhythms, often incorporating folk elements.
- Igor Stravinsky ("The Rite of Spring") and Béla Bartók (String quartets, "Concerto for Orchestra") were prominent.
- Neoclassicism returns to classical forms with modern harmonies; important composers include Stravinsky, Bartók, Sergey Prokofiev, and Francis Poulenc.
Avant-Garde & Minimalism
- Avant-garde challenges musical norms with electronic music, improvisation, and new notation.
- Notable composers: George Gershwin ("Rhapsody in Blue"), Leonard Bernstein ("West Side Story"), and Philip Glass ("Einstein on the Beach").
Modern Nationalism
- Combines modern techniques with folk influences.
- Bartók and Prokofiev known for using polytonality and national themes in their music.
Electronic & Concrete Music
- Invented new sounds with synthesizers, tape recorders, and other technology.
- Edgard Varèse is the "father of electronic music" for his focus on timbre and rhythm.
- Karlheinz Stockhausen expanded electronic music and music concrete.
Chance Music
- Music determined by random elements; every performance is unique.
- John Cage ("4'33"") pioneered prepared piano and chance techniques.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Impressionism — A style emphasizing mood and atmosphere over clear forms.
- Expressionism — Music expressing strong emotions using atonality and dissonance.
- Primitivism — Use of simple, repetitive motifs and rhythms often inspired by folk music.
- Neoclassicism — A return to classical-era forms combined with modern techniques.
- Avant-Garde — Experimental music that challenges traditional boundaries.
- Minimalism — Music using repetitive patterns and gradual changes.
- Electronic Music — Music created or modified using electronic devices.
- Music Concrete — Composing by manipulating recorded natural sounds.
- Chance Music — Music in which elements are left to chance or performer choice.
- Polytonality — The simultaneous use of two or more tonal centers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notable compositions by featured composers for listening.
- Prepare to discuss how technology influenced music styles in class.