Modernism in Music: Early 1900s

Overview

• Time Period: 1900-1930
• Concurrent Movement: Impressionism
• Key Composers: Stravinsky, Mahler, Schoenberg
• Main Themes: Abstract style, boundary-pushing, rejecting conventions

Historical Context

• Western music became fragmented post-1900
• Development of smaller genres and subgenres
• Impressionism and Modernism ran parallel but had different styles

Key Musical Components of Modernism

Atonality

• Definition: Lack of a tonal center
• Developed By: Arnold Schoenberg
• 12-Tone Technique: Utilizing all 12 notes equally
  • Prevents repetition to avoid the impression of a key signature
  • Example: Schoenberg's Piano Concerto, Op. 42

Rhythmic Innovations

• Rejection of Standard Meters: Less use of common time signatures like 4/4 or 3/4
• Irregular Meters: Frequent changes in time signatures
  • Example: Igor Stravinsky’s ballet "Petrushka"
• Polymeter: Different instruments use different time signatures simultaneously

Notable Composers and Works

Arnold Schoenberg

• Pioneer of atonal music and 12-tone technique
• Significant Works: Piano Concerto Op. 42
• Criticized for his piano technique; influenced by his poor piano skills
• Labeled as “degenerate” by Nazi Germany
• Second Viennese School: Group of composers including Schoenberg, Albin Berg, Anton Webern

Igor Stravinsky

• Russian composer active between 1882-1971
• Known for ballets: Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring
• Modernist Rhythm: Use of irregular meters and driving rhythms
• Evolved orchestration with increased use of percussion

Gustav Mahler

• Expanded symphony form from the Romantic period
• Known for massive orchestral works
  • 8th Symphony: “Symphony of a Thousand” due to sheer number of vocalists
  • 3rd Symphony: Over an hour and a half long
• Transition figure between late Romanticism and Modernism
• Example Work: 4th Movement from his 5th Symphony

Neoclassical Movement

• Reaction against formless and abstract music
• Sought to return to balance and order of Classical era
• Notable Composers: Stravinsky, Hindemith, Satie
• Example Work: Francis Poulenc’s "Concert Champêtre" for harpsichord and orchestra
  • Neoclassical Characteristics: Revival of the harpsichord, clear architectural forms

Conclusion

• Modernism represents a unique and boundary-breaking thread in musical history
• Each sub-movement within this era provides rich areas for study
• Understanding context helps in appreciating works by composers like Schoenberg and Stravinsky

Recommended Further Study

• Baroque, Romantic, Classical periods
• Specific videos on Impressionism and other sub-genres within Modernism