Music Theory: 21st Century Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is a polychord?

Two or more keys at once

A chord made of notes only a half or whole step away

Two chords sounded at the same time (correct)

A single chord

What is a tone cluster?

A chord made of notes only a half or whole step away

What does polytonality refer to?

Two or more keys at once

What is bitonality?

Two keys at once, most common form of polytonality Signup and view all the answers

What is atonality?

Absence of key or tonality Signup and view all the answers

What is the pentatonic scale?

The 5 black keys Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Impressionism in music?

A stress on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity Signup and view all the answers

What is a whole tone scale?

6 note scale made of whole steps, sounds like a dream harp Signup and view all the answers

Who used whole and pentatonic scales?

Debussy Signup and view all the answers

What is Neoclassicism in music?

Emotional restraint, balance, clarity, based on eighteenth century or prior Signup and view all the answers

What does primitivism mean in music?

Sounds primitive because of rhythms and percussion sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is a tone row?

Sequence of chromatic tones Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the twelve-tone technique?

Schoenberg Signup and view all the answers

What is chance music?

Music made up of random elements, exemplified in Cage's 4' 33" Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for the work 'Bolero'?

Ravel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following composers is known for minimalism?

Glass Signup and view all the answers

Which woman composer is known for using music quotations?

Ellen Zwilich Signup and view all the answers

Match the following composers with their styles:

Schoenberg = Twelve-tone technique Debussy = Impressionism Stravinsky = Neoclassicism Cage = Chance music Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Ives and the music style?

Ragtime, heart attack, did not follow rules Signup and view all the answers

What defines prepared piano?

Changed piano sound from bolts and other things Signup and view all the answers

What is polyrhythm?

Two or more contrasting rhythms occurring at the same time Signup and view all the answers

Which nationality is associated with the work 'African-American Symphony'?

American Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Music Theory Concepts

Polychord: Combination of two chords played simultaneously; notable use in "Rite of Spring" with an F chord layered over a C chord.
Tone Cluster: A chord formed from notes that are a half or whole step apart, creating a dissonant sound.
Polytonality: Simultaneous use of two or more keys, adding complexity to the texture of the music.
Bitonality: A specific type of polytonality involving two keys played at the same time, frequently encountered in modern compositions.
Atonality: A musical approach characterized by the absence of a tonal center or key context.
Pentatonic Scale: Consists of the five black keys on a piano; frequently used in various musical traditions for its unique sound.
Impressionism: Focuses on tone color, mood, and fluidity in music; seeks to evoke atmospheric qualities rather than strict structures.
Whole Tone Scale: A six-note scale made entirely of whole steps, creating a dreamlike, seamless quality in sound.

Influential Composers

Claude Debussy: Incorporated whole and pentatonic scales in works such as "Voiles" and "Prelude à l'après-midi d'un faune"; known for his innovative style and personal struggles.
Maurice Ravel: French composer recognized for melodies grounded in modes, best known for "Bolero."
Igor Stravinsky: Renowned Russian composer famous for "The Firebird" and living in Los Angeles, associated with several influential musical movements.
Arnold Schoenberg: Creator of the twelve-tone technique, with a focus on utilizing all twelve chromatic tones, faced significant challenges including exile during the Nazi regime.
George Gershwin: Known for "Rhapsody in Blue," blending classical and jazz elements.

Musical Techniques and Styles

Neoclassicism: Emphasizes emotional restraint, clarity, and balance, drawing inspiration from the 18th century and earlier musical forms.
Primitivism: Characterized by its incorporation of primitive sounds, particularly rhythmic and percussive elements.
Sprechstimme: A vocal technique between speaking and singing, blending elements of both in performance.
Twelve Tone System: Developed by Schoenberg; organizes 12 notes into tone rows to ensure equal importance among notes.
Chance Music: Associated with John Cage's "4'33"" which embraces randomness and aleatory elements in composition.

Notable Women Composers

Amy Beach: A pioneering American woman composer, recognized for her romantic style and early talent as a child prodigy.
Ellen Zwilich: Utilizes quotations from existing works in her compositions, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary music.

Specific Musical Concepts

Prepared Piano: Technique where objects are placed on piano strings to alter the instrument's sound, popularized by John Cage.
Polyrhythm: The simultaneous occurrence of two or more differing rhythms, creating intricate rhythmic textures.

Compositional Movements

Expressionsm: Schoenberg's approach emphasizing emotional intensity and subjectivity.
Minimalism: Notably embraced by composers like Philip Glass, focusing on simplicity and repetitive elements.

Composers and Their Works

Aaron Copland: Associated with American ballet music.
Philip Glass: Known for minimalism and American operatic works.
Astor Piazzolla: Notably involved in Argentinean ballet and jazz influences.
John Cage: Key figure in chance music, known for innovative approaches to sound.
Edgar Varèse: Pioneering electronic music composer.

Nationalities and Major Compositions

William Grant Still: "African-American Symphony" showcases American orchestral identity.
Charles Ives: "Putnam's Camp" from "Three Places in New England" incorporates American themes and styles.
Béla Bartók: "Concerto for Orchestra" highlights Hungarian folk influences.
Dmitri Shostakovich: "Symphony No. 5" reflective of Soviet struggles and artistic expression.

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Description

Explore essential terms in 21st-century music theory through this quiz. Learn concepts such as polychord, tone cluster, and atonality. Perfect for music students looking to enhance their understanding of modern musical techniques.