Twelve-tone technique

Definition

The twelve-tone technique is a compositional method developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century, which involves using a series of all twelve notes in the chromatic scale as a basis for a piece of music. This technique ensures that each note has equal importance and avoids establishing a traditional tonal center, leading to a new way of thinking about harmony and melody in composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The twelve-tone technique requires composers to create a 'tone row' or series that includes all twelve notes without repetition, which can then be manipulated through transposition, inversion, retrograde, and retrograde inversion.
2. Schoenberg's twelve-tone system was revolutionary because it moved away from traditional harmonic practices and opened new avenues for musical expression.
3. Composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern adopted the twelve-tone technique and further developed it within the context of their own unique styles.
4. The technique has had a lasting impact on contemporary classical music and influenced various genres beyond classical, including jazz and avant-garde music.
5. Although initially controversial, the twelve-tone technique eventually gained acceptance in academic music circles and is now considered a foundational aspect of modern music theory.

Review Questions

• How does the twelve-tone technique alter traditional approaches to melody and harmony in composition?
  • The twelve-tone technique fundamentally changes traditional approaches by ensuring that all twelve pitches are treated equally, eliminating the hierarchy of notes typically found in tonal music. This means that there is no single tonic or key center to guide the listener’s ear, which results in music that is more dissonant and complex. Composers can explore a broader emotional range as they are not confined to conventional tonal frameworks.
• Discuss how Arnold Schoenberg's development of the twelve-tone technique reflects broader trends in 20th-century classical music.
  • Schoenberg's development of the twelve-tone technique reflects broader trends towards atonality and abstraction in 20th-century classical music, as composers sought new methods to express modern ideas and feelings. This shift away from traditional tonality mirrored changes in society, culture, and art during this period, where innovation and breaking away from established norms became central themes. Schoenberg's work paved the way for future avant-garde movements, influencing many composers who followed.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the twelve-tone technique on contemporary music composition and theory.
  • The long-term impact of the twelve-tone technique on contemporary music composition is profound, as it established new frameworks for thinking about pitch organization and musical structure. Many modern composers incorporate serial techniques into their work, which allows them to explore novel sounds and forms. Additionally, its influence extends beyond classical music into jazz and experimental genres, demonstrating its versatility and relevance in today's diverse musical landscape.

Related terms

Serialism: A method of composition that involves using a series of values to manipulate different musical elements, including pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and timbre, often derived from the twelve-tone technique.

Atonality: A style of music that lacks a tonal center or key, which is a significant characteristic of many works created using the twelve-tone technique.

Schoenberg: An influential composer known for developing the twelve-tone technique and for his contributions to atonal music and expressionism in the early 20th century.