Arnold Schoenberg

Definition

Arnold Schoenberg was an influential composer and music theorist known for his pivotal role in the development of atonality and the twelve-tone technique during the early 20th century. His innovative approaches to harmony and structure changed the landscape of Western music, marking a significant shift from traditional tonality to new forms of expression that challenged conventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schoenberg was born in Vienna in 1874 and later moved to the United States, where he continued to compose and teach.
2. His work challenged the conventional norms of music, moving away from established harmonic practices toward a more radical approach to composition.
3. Schoenberg developed the twelve-tone technique as a way to organize pitch in a non-hierarchical manner, which had a profound impact on modern classical music.
4. He was a key figure in the expressionist movement, with many of his compositions exploring deep emotional themes through innovative musical language.
5. Schoenberg's influence extended beyond composition; he also contributed significantly to music theory and pedagogy, shaping future generations of musicians and composers.

Review Questions

• How did Arnold Schoenberg's development of atonality reflect the broader changes occurring in early 20th-century music?
  • Schoenberg's development of atonality represented a radical departure from traditional tonal structures, reflecting a broader trend in early 20th-century music that sought to break free from established norms. This shift allowed composers to express a wider range of emotions and ideas, paralleling changes in society and culture during this time. His innovations laid the groundwork for future musical movements and encouraged other composers to explore new harmonic languages.
• Analyze the significance of Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique in relation to his broader musical philosophy.
  • Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique was significant not only as a method of composition but also as an embodiment of his philosophical approach to music. By organizing pitches in a way that treated all twelve notes equally, he aimed to eliminate the dominance of any single tone, which aligned with his view that music should reflect modern complexities. This technique became foundational for many composers who followed him, influencing the evolution of contemporary classical music.
• Evaluate the impact of Arnold Schoenberg on the transition from late Romanticism to modernism in Western music.
  • Arnold Schoenberg played a crucial role in transitioning from late Romanticism to modernism by challenging established conventions and introducing revolutionary ideas about harmony and structure. His move towards atonality and the twelve-tone system signaled a break from traditional romantic ideals, paving the way for various avant-garde movements. This transition not only reshaped the course of Western classical music but also influenced broader artistic expressions across multiple disciplines during the 20th century.

Related terms

Atonality: A musical style that eliminates the traditional tonal center, creating music that does not conform to established scales or keys.

Twelve-tone technique: A compositional method developed by Schoenberg that uses a series of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order, ensuring that no single note dominates.

Expressionism: An artistic movement that sought to convey emotional experiences rather than physical reality, often reflected in Schoenberg's intense musical style.