Download Introduction Part 1: Reaction to Impressionism

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INTRODUCTION TO 20TH CENTURY MUSIC
PART 1: REACTION TO IMPRESSIONISM
The 20th century in classical music was extremely varied stylistically, thus there was no dominant style. A major
element of this music is the increased use of dissonance; hence, the 20th century can also be referred to as the “Dissonant
Period” of classical music as much of this music was a reaction to, or against, the common practice period. Composers of
the 20th century moved in quite different directions. Some composers continued to write in and expand 20th century
elements; others returned back to prior musical periods for their inspiration and wrote works that draw elements from this
music, which is known as neoclassicism.
EXPRESSIONISM: PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Composers, especially those who continued to write and expand 20 th century musical elements, sought a greater
emphasis on the freedom of personal emotion and expression. This music emphasizes an immediate expressive feeling,
often based on the psychology of the unconscious. Composers tended to avoid elements of traditional Western music
(such as melody, harmony and rhythm) as well as cadence, repetition, sequence, balanced phrases and any reference to
traditional forms or procedures.
INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL PERIODS: DEFINITIONS
Renaissance: Musical period which focused on humanism – connecting music with words to create an
expressive goal.
Baroque: Musical period that focused on the range of human emotions or affections.
Classicism: Musical period which sought to emulate the ideals of the Classical antiquity and especially those of
Classical Greece.
Romanticism: Musical period that focused on Romantic elements and Romantic expression, using lyricism to
allow the music to sing.
Impressionism: A musical period which started in France as a reaction, led by Claude Debussy, against the
emotional exuberance and epic themes of German Romanticism shown by Richard Wagner.
Neoclassicism: Returning to previous centuries and writing works that draw elements from these musical
periods.
Modernism: A period of music which started as a reaction to late 19 th century Romanticism and was
characterized by a desire for or belief in progress and a complete rejection of music of the common practice
period.
Post-Modernism: A reaction to modernism or a response to a deep-seated shift in societal attitude.
Surrealism: A cultural movement that began in the early 1920’s, in which its members regard their work as an
expression of the philosophical movement. This movement spread across the globe and into every area,
including fine arts, political thought and practice, philosophy and social theory.
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MINIMALISM AND MINIALISTIC TECHNIQUES
Phasing: A phrase is played by one player maintaining a consistent pace is played simultaneously by another
player but at a slightly quicker pace. Some performances have included on performer playing both parts. This
term was devised and shown by several of Steve Reich’s works: Piano Phase, Violin Phase and Drumming.
TERMS RELATING TO TYPES AND STYLES OF TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC
Futurism: A style of music, developed from Italian composers, which tried to create everyday sounds and place
them in a “futuristic” context
Prepared Piano: A type of music devised by John Cage which has its sound altered by placing between or on
the strings or on the hammers or dampers
Process Music: Music that explores a particular process which is essentially laid bare in the work
Experimental Music:
1. Complete works that perform an unpredictable action
2. An experimental action is one the outcome of which is not foreseen.
3. Music within specific genres that pushes against their boundaries or definitions
4. Music whose approach is a hybrid of disparate styles,
5. Music that incorporates unorthodox, new, distinctly unique elements