Music Theory Quiz: Neoclassicism and Atonality

Questions and Answers

How did Schoenberg acquire his musical knowledge?

Going to concerts, playing, score study

Charles Ives' father was a __________.

Professional Bandmaster (director)

Neoclassicism was a reaction against ________.

Romanticism and Impressionism

Neoclassical works were modeled after which composer?

Bach Signup and view all the answers

What is Atonality?

Starting in 1908, with no key center Signup and view all the answers

Copland's simplicity is related to ____________.

The Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

Who was Stravinsky's composition teacher?

Rimsky-Korsakov Signup and view all the answers

What were the dates of Neoclassicism?

1920-1950 Signup and view all the answers

Where was expressionism centered?

Germany and Austria Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Schoenberg when the Nazis seized power in Germany?

Was forced to leave--came to America Signup and view all the answers

Debussy loved and hated this composer.

Wagner Signup and view all the answers

Where did Schoenberg teach?

UCLA Signup and view all the answers

What is Aaron Copland's birthplace?

Brooklyn Signup and view all the answers

What was Stravinsky's inspiration?

From 18th century music Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gershwin's piano teacher?

He taught himself Signup and view all the answers

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue opens with _______.

Clarinet Signup and view all the answers

Where did composers in the 20th century draw inspiration?

Asia and Africa, folk music, medieval, renaissance, and baroque music Signup and view all the answers

What was the most famous riot in music history?

The Rite of Spring Signup and view all the answers

What is a glissando?

Glide from one pitch to another Signup and view all the answers

What is Sprechstimme?

12 tone technique, English and German text with Hebrew prayer, expressionist music and text-shocking Signup and view all the answers

What is expressionism?

Attempts to explore inner feelings rather than depict outward appearances, used deliberate distortions, direct outgrowth of Freud, rejected 'conventional prettiness' Signup and view all the answers

What were the dates of radio broadcasts' beginnings?

1920's Signup and view all the answers

What is polyrhythm?

Use of 2+ contrasting rhythms at the same time Signup and view all the answers

Describe Charles Ives's music.

Used rival hymns, ragtime, patriotic tunes, barn dances, village bands, and church choirs. Based on American folk songs. Polyrhythm, polytonality, tone clusters. Very difficult to perform. Signup and view all the answers

George Gershwin collaborated with _________

His brother Ira Signup and view all the answers

What is The Rite of Spring known for?

Caused a riot in 1913, very powerful impact, elders watching a young girl dancing herself to death; sacrificing her to the god of spring, opens with solo bassoon in high register Signup and view all the answers

What is Porgy and Bess?

Written by Gershwin Signup and view all the answers

What are Neoclassical music characteristics?

Based upon classical and baroque, no more program music, sounded modern, not classical, polyphonic texture, used classical scales. Signup and view all the answers

What is 12 Tone music?

Gives equal importance to all 12 pitches, arranged in tone row, no pitch occurs again until all 12 have appeared. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chance Music?

Composers choose pitches, tone colors, and rhythms at random--opposite of serialism Signup and view all the answers

What are the different tone colors of 20th century music?

Unusual playing techniques for sound effects, percussion use greatly expanded, music not written for choirs of instruments Signup and view all the answers

Describe Debussy's music.

Free almost improvised, used orchestra as a palette of sounds, not all together, expanded harmony, obscured harmony, tempo, meter, rhythm, both attracted to and repelled by the music of Wagner. Signup and view all the answers

Describe musical styles post WWII.

Increased use of 12-tone, serialism--12-tone techniques extended, chance music--random, minimalist music--pulse, repetition, electronic music, mixed media, new concepts of rhythm and form. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of early 20th century music?

Unusual playing techniques for sound effects, percussion use greatly expanded, music not written for choirs of instruments, consonance and dissonance, new chord structures, alternatives to the traditional tonal system, rhythmic vocabulary expanded. Signup and view all the answers

What is Impressionism in music?

Musical outgrowth of French art and poetry Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of electronic music?

Uses technological advances for new music, recording tape, synthesizers, and computers, allows composers to skip the middle step of performers to convey their ideas to an audience, provides unlimited palette of sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is Minimalism in music?

Steady pulse, clear tonality, repetition of short fragments, dynamics, texture, and harmony constant over time, emphasis on simple forms, clarity, understatement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Musical Knowledge and Education

Schoenberg acquired musical skills through attending concerts, playing instruments, and studying scores.
Charles Ives' father was a professional bandmaster, influencing Ives' musical upbringing.
Stravinsky studied under Rimsky-Korsakov, a significant composer of the late 19th century.

Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism arose as a response to Romanticism and Impressionism.
Works of this style were often modeled after the techniques of Bach.
Characterized by a return to classical forms, with an emphasis on polyphonic textures and the use of classical scales.
The period of Neoclassicism spanned from 1920 to 1950.

Modern Musical Techniques

Atonality, emerging around 1908, refers to music without a key center.
Polyrhythm involves the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms.
Chance music allows composers to select pitches and rhythms randomly, in contrast to the structured methods of serialism.
The 12-tone technique gives equal importance to all twelve pitches, arranged in a specific order known as a tone row.

Expressionism

Expressionism seeks to express inner feelings rather than simply depict reality, using deliberate distortions.
Influenced by the theories of Freud, it rejected conventional beauty, exploring emotional and psychological themes.
Expressionist music often employs Sprechstimme, a vocal style between speaking and singing.

Musical Impact and Movements

Debussy had a complex relationship with Wagner, simultaneously admiring and rejecting his work.
The Rite of Spring, composed by Stravinsky, famously incited a riot at its 1913 premiere, exemplifying the intense emotional impact of new music.
Music post-World War II saw an increase in 12-tone techniques, with movements such as serialism, chance music, and minimalist music becoming prominent.

Influences and Innovations

Aaron Copland's stylistic simplicity is often associated with the Great Depression era, reflecting the socio-economic context of his time.
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue famously opens with a clarinet solo, showcasing the fusion of jazz and classical styles.
Early 20th-century compositions featured expanded percussion and unique playing techniques, moving away from traditional orchestral textures.

Inspirational Roots

Composers of the 20th century drew inspiration from diverse sources, including Asian and African music, as well as various historical European styles like medieval and baroque music.
Impressionism in music, akin to French art and poetry, emphasizes atmospheric effects and nuanced soundscapes.

Electronic and Minimalist Music

The advent of electronic music utilized technological advancements, such as synthesizers and recording techniques, to create new sound palettes and liberate composers from traditional performance constraints.
Minimalism is characterized by steady pulses, clear tonality, and the repetition of short musical fragments, focusing on simplicity and clarity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts related to Neoclassicism and Atonality in music theory. This quiz covers influential composers, their backgrounds, and pivotal movements in music history. Get ready to explore the connections between different musical styles and their origins.