20th Century Music (1900 to Present) PDF

20th CENTURY MUSIC (1900 to Present)  EXPRESSIONISM o it begins in roughly in 1900 o first originated in the visual arts and was later applied to music and other arts in the early 20th century. o all about conveying intense and raw emotions through music, often using dissona...

20th CENTURY MUSIC (1900 to Present)  EXPRESSIONISM o it begins in roughly in 1900 o first originated in the visual arts and was later applied to music and other arts in the early 20th century. o all about conveying intense and raw emotions through music, often using dissonance, abrupt changes in dynamics, and unconventional melodies to create a sense of unease or tension. o less concerned with following traditional rules of harmony and structure and more focused on expressing the composer's inner turmoil and complex feelings. o its goal is to stir deep emotions and provoke thought through musical intensity and unpredictability. o many protests were taking place with civil rights for people of color and women at the forefront of national debates in the United States o musicians and artists used chaotic, dissonant, and distorted artistic tools to express the angst of generations. o a young democracy was struggling to take hold in Germany and Austria. o the artificial prosperity that eventually led to the collapse of American markets and preceded the Great Depression. o World War I took place firmly in the center of the expressionist era Features of Expressionism in Music o A high degree of dissonance (Dissonance is the quality of sounds that seems unstable) o Extreme contrasts of dynamics (from pianissimo to fortissimo, very soft to very loud) o Constant changing of textures o “Distorted" melodies and harmonies o Angular melodies with wide leaps  Notable Expressionist Composers ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874–1951) o Born on September 13, 1874, in a working-class suburb of Vienna, Austria o He was a highly influential Austrian composer, conductor, and music theorist known for his Illustrated by: Abraham S. Salvador significant contributions to 20th-century music o His music was also extremely complex, creating heavy demands on the listener. ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874–1951) o He experienced Triskaidekaphobia (fear of number 13). He believed it brought bad luck. o His compositions often reflect his emotional and Illustrated by: personal turmoil. Abraham S. Salvador o His work laid the groundwork for many subsequent composers who explored new musical languages. ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874–1951) o Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) o Three Pieces for Piano, op. 11 o Pierrot Lunaire Illustrated by: Abraham S. Salvador o Violin Concerto o Skandalkonzert ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874–1951) Pierrot Lunaire Illustrated by: The piece is known for its innovative and Abraham S. Salvador avant-garde use of a technique called "Sprechstimme," which is a vocal style that combines elements of both speaking and singing.  Notable Expressionist Composers IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882–1971) o born in Lomonosov, Russia on June 17, 1882 o He is known for his groundbreaking work in various musical styles, including Russian nationalism, neoclassicism, and serialism. Illustrated by: Abraham S. Salvador o studied composition with renowned composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882–1971) o gained international fame with the premiere of his ballet "The Rite of Spring" (Le Sacre du Printemps) in Paris in 1913. o Its avant-garde music and choreography caused a Illustrated by: Abraham S. Salvador riot in the audience but also marked a turning point in the development of modern classical music. IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882–1971) Pétrouchka (Petrushka) one of Igor Stravinsky's most famous ballets Plot: "Petrushka" is set in St. Petersburg during the Shrovetide Fair. The story revolves around the tragic fate of three puppets: Petrushka, the Ballerina, and the Moor. Petrushka, the main character, is a mischievous Illustrated by: Abraham S. Salvador and rebellious puppet who falls in love with the Ballerina, but she rejects his advances. The puppeteer, who controls them, is eventually pushed to his limits by their antics, leading to a dramatic and surreal climax. Technology has been a game-changer in music. Technology has been a game-changer in music.  ELECTRONIC MUSIC refers to any composition recorded or played using all electronic musical instruments and make use of the electronic technology. Electronic Instruments and Devices Electronic Organs Teleharmonium/ Hammond Organ Dynamophone Electronic Instruments and Devices Synthesizer Electric Guitar Thermin Important Personalities in Electronic Music Born on December 22, 1883 Innovative French-born composer Father of Electronic Music Spent his life and career mostly in the US Pioneered and created new sounds Edgar Varese that bordered between music and noise Important Personalities in Electronic Music His musical pieces are characterized by: 1. Emphasis on timber or rhythm 2. Organized sound Poeme Edgar Varese Electronique  Important Personalities in Electronic Music Born in Cologne, Germany A central figure in the realm of electronic music Karlheinz Stockhausen  Important Personalities in Electronic Music Some of his works include: - Gruppen (1957) - Kontakte (1960) - Hymnen (1965) - Licht (Light) Studie II Karlheinz Stockhausen  CHANCE MUSIC Known as Aleatoric Music, refers to a style which the piece always sounds differently at every performance because of its random techniques of production, including the use of string modulators or natural elements that become part of the music. Most of the sounds that emanate from the surroundings, both natural and man-made like honking cars, rustling leaves, blowing wind, dripping water, and a ringing phone. Important Personality in Chance Music Known as one of the 20th century composers with the broadest array of sounds in his works. Born in Los Angeles, California on Sept. 5, 1912. Became one of the most original composers in the history of Western Music. Chance Music was born with his John Cage manipulation of musical instruments to attain new sounds.  4 Minutes and 33 Seconds (4’33”) John Cage John Cage  Exploring Expressionism in Music Answer each of the following questions below in 5-8 sentences. Use one whole intermediate paper. Title of the Music Piece: _______________________________ Composer: _______________________________ 1. Describe the emotions and feelings that this music piece conveyed to you. 2. Did the music make you feel uncomfortable or unsettled? Why or why not? 3. How do you think the composer used music to express their inner emotions or thoughts?