The Twentieth Century
(1900 to 2000)

The years 1900-1913 brought radical new developments in science and art. The years saw more fundamental changes in the language of music than any time since the beginning of the Baroque Era. There were entirely new approaches to the organization of pitch and rhythm and a vast expansion in vocabulary of sounds used, especially percussive sounds. Some compositions broke with tradition so sharply that they were met with violent hostility.

From the late 1600s to about 1900, musical structure was governed by certain general principles. As different as the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms may be, they share fundamental techniques of organizing pitches around a central tone. After 1900, however, no single system governs the organization of pitch in all musical compositions. Each piece is more likely to have its own unique system of pitch relationships. During the twentieth century, differences among styles have been so great that it seems as though composers use different musical languages, not merely different dialects of the same music language. Radical changes of style occur even within the works of indivudual composers.

This great variety of musical styles reflected the diversity of life during the early twentieth century. More people were free to choose where to live, how to earn a living, and how to spend their time. The car, airplane, telephone, phonograph, movies, and radio all made the world more accessible and expanded the range of experiences.

Through the work of scholars and performers, a under range of music became valuable. Composers drew inspiration from enormous variety of sources, including folk and popular music from all over the world, the music of Asia and Africa, and European art music from the Middle Ages through the nineteeth century.

Like all people, musicians have been affected by the political, economic, and social upheavals of twentieth century. Hitler’s rise to power in Germany in 1933 had an especially dramatic impact on the lives and careers of musicians. Many composers left Europe for the United States. These refugees made enormous contributions to musical culture.

During the twentieth century the United States became a potent force in music. American jazz and popular music swept the world. After the 1920s, the country produced a large group of composers representing a wide spectrum of contemporary styles. In addition, the United States now has more first rank symphony orchestras then any other country.

Characteristics of Twentieth-Century Music

Tone Color
During the twentieth century, tone color has become a more important element of music than ever before. It often has a major role, creating variety, continuity, and mood. In modern music, noiselike and percussive sounds are often used, and instruments are played at the very top or bottom of their ranges. Uncommon playing techniques have become normal. For example, the glissando, a rapid slide up or down a scale, is more popular now. Woodwind and brass players are often asked to produce a trilling sound by rapidly rolling their tongues while they play. String players frequently strike the strings with their fingers rather than using the bow across the strings, this is called pizzicato. Percussion instruments have become more prominent and numerous, reflecting the twentieth century interest in unusual rhythm and tone colors. Instruments that have become standard during the 1900s included the xylophone, celesta, and wood block. Composers occasionally call for unusual types of sounds- typewriters, sirens, canons, and break drums. Pianos were also used to add a percussive edge to the sound of an orchestra.

Harmony
The twentieth century brought fundamental changes in the way chords are used. Since the early periods of music, chords were divided into two parts consonant and dissonant. A consonant chord was stable. It functioned as a point of rest or arrival. A dissonant chord was unstable and its tension demanded onward motion or the start of a consonant chord. Traditionally only the triad, or a three tone chord, could be consonant. All others were considered dissonant. By the twentieth century, the distinction between consonance and dissonance was no longer needed in much music.

Rhythm
The new techniques of picture organization were accompanied by new ways to organize rhythm. The rhythmic vocabulary of music was expanded, with increase emphasis on irregularity and unpredictably. Rhythm is one of the most striking elements of twentieth century music. I was used to generate power drive and excitement. In 20th century, new rhythmic procedures are drawn for many sources including folk music from all over the world, jazz, and European art music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Melody
The new techniques of pitch and rhythmic organization that were surveyed had a strong impact on 20th century melody. Melody is no longer connected to traditional chords or to major and minor keys. It may be based on a variety on scales, or it may freely use of twelve chromatic tones and have no tonal centers. Melodies often contained wide leaps that are difficult to sing. Rhythmic irregularity and changing meters make 20th century music unpredictable. In general 20th century music relies less than classical and romantic music on melody that are easy to sing and remember.