Questions and Answers
What is a polychord?
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?
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What is atonality?
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What is the pentatonic scale?
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What characterizes Impressionism in music?
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What is a whole tone scale?
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Who used whole and pentatonic scales?
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What is Neoclassicism in music?
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What does primitivism mean in music?
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What is a tone row?
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Who is associated with the twelve-tone technique?
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What is chance music?
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Who is known for the work 'Bolero'?
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Which of the following composers is known for minimalism?
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Which woman composer is known for using music quotations?
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Match the following composers with their styles:
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What is the relationship between Ives and the music style?
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What defines prepared piano?
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What is polyrhythm?
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Which nationality is associated with the work 'African-American Symphony'?
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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.