The 20th century is described as the “age of musical diversity” because composers had more creative freedom. They also took advantage of the resources and technology that were available to them. Composers were more willing to experiment with new music forms or reinvent music forms of the past.
New Sounds of the 20th Century
Percussion instruments and noisemakers were prominent
- New ways of combining chords and building chord structures were also used
- Even the meter, rhythm, and melody became unpredictable
- For example, in Elliott Carter’s “Fantasy,” he used metric modulation
20th Century Musical Instruments
There were many innovations that happened during the 20th century that contributed to how music was composed and performed
- Musical themes that weren’t widely used in past periods were given a voice
- Noisemakers were added, making the tone color richer and more interesting
- Harmonies became more dissonant and new chord structures were used
Innovations and Changes During the 20th Century
Technological advancements in radio, TV, and recording enabled the public to listen to music in the comforts of their own home
Musical Concepts That Defined the Era
Emancipation of dissonance
- Refers to how freely 20th-century composers treated dissonant chords
- Fourth chord
- Polychord
- Tone cluster
- Another technique used during the 20th century wherein tones of a chord are either a half step or whole step apart
Diversity in 20th Century Music
African-American musicians weren’t allowed to perform with or conduct prominent orchestras at first, and composers were creatively stifled during the rise of Hitler.
- Many schools and universities were founded during this time that catered to those who wanted to pursue music.
Comparing the 20th Century Music to Past Eras
20th-century composers used and/or were influenced by composers and music forms of the past, but created their own unique sound
- Musical texture of Classical music is mostly homophonic but flexible
- Romantic period: some forms used during Classical period were continued but was made more subjective
