6.4 Neoclassicism and Serialism

Neoclassicism and Serialism emerged as opposing reactions to late Romantic excess in 20th-century music. Neoclassicism revived classical forms with modern twists, while Serialism created new organizational principles using fixed series of musical elements.

Key figures like Stravinsky in Neoclassicism and Schoenberg in Serialism shaped these movements. Their works showcase the stark contrast between accessible, tradition-inspired compositions and abstract, intellectually rigorous pieces that challenged listeners.

Neoclassicism and Serialism: Key Characteristics

Neoclassicism in Music

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• Return to formal structures, clarity, and balanced proportions of 18th-century classical music (Mozart and Haydn)
• Fusion of modern harmonies and rhythms within traditional forms
• Reaction to late Romantic excess
• Establishment of new organizational principles in music composition
• Emphasis on structural coherence through familiar formal patterns
• Aim for accessibility and connection to musical tradition

Serialism in Music

• Compositional technique using fixed series of pitches, rhythms, or other musical elements
• Avoidance of traditional tonality
• Twelve-tone technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in predetermined order
• High degree of structural complexity and intellectual rigor
• Departure from conventional melodic and harmonic practices
• Reaction to late Romantic excess
• Establishment of new organizational principles in music composition
• Emphasis on structural coherence through internal logic of chosen series
• Challenge to listeners with abstract and intellectually rigorous nature

Neoclassicism and Serialism: Major Composers and Works

Neoclassical Composers and Works

• Igor Stravinsky
  • Key figure in Neoclassicism
  • "Pulcinella" (1920) exemplifies neoclassical style
  • "Symphony in C" (1940) demonstrates return to classical forms
• Paul Hindemith
  • "Mathis der Maler" (1934) incorporates modern harmonies within traditional structures
  • "Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber" (1943) reimagines classical themes

Serialist Composers and Works

• Arnold Schoenberg
  • Pioneered Serialism and twelve-tone technique
  • "Suite for Piano, Op. 25" (1923) early example of twelve-tone composition
  • "Variations for Orchestra, Op. 31" (1928) applies serialist techniques to orchestral writing
• Alban Berg
  • "Wozzeck" (1922) opera utilizing serialist techniques within accessible musical language
  • Violin Concerto (1935) combines twelve-tone rows with tonal elements
• Anton Webern
  • "Symphony, Op. 21" (1928) represents purist approach to serialism
  • Highly concentrated and abstract works
• Olivier Messiaen
  • "Mode de valeurs et d'intensités" (1949) expanded serialism beyond pitch
  • Influenced development of total serialism

Neoclassical vs Serialist Compositional Techniques

Structural Approaches

• Neoclassical composers employ traditional forms (sonata, rondo, fugue)
• Serialist composers create new structural frameworks based on chosen series
• Neoclassicism achieves coherence through familiar formal patterns
• Serialism relies on internal logic of chosen series for structural integrity

Harmonic and Melodic Elements

• Neoclassical harmony ranges from tonal to extended tonal
• Serialist music avoids traditional harmonic progressions and tonal centers
• Neoclassical works feature clear melodic lines and thematic development
• Serialist compositions often have fragmented and non-repetitive melodic structures

Rhythmic and Orchestral Techniques

• Neoclassical rhythms range from straightforward to complex, often incorporating jazz influences
• Serialist rhythms may derive from the series itself or create additional structural complexity
• Neoclassical orchestration references classical models with modern twists
• Serialist composers explore new timbral combinations and extended instrumental techniques