6.3 Expressionism and Atonality
4 min read•august 15, 2024
and shook up music in the . Composers broke free from traditional tonality, using and extreme contrasts to express raw emotions. This radical approach challenged listeners and expanded music's expressive possibilities.
The , led by , pioneered these new techniques. Their works, along with those of other influential composers, paved the way for modernism and music, leaving a lasting impact on classical and popular music alike.
Expressionism and Atonality in Music
Origins and Characteristics of Expressionism
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- Expressionism emerged as an early 20th-century movement characterized by intense portrayal of emotions and psychological states through unconventional musical techniques
- Movement developed in response to broader cultural and social upheavals of the early 20th century (World War I, industrialization)
- Expressionist music employs extreme contrasts in dynamics, pitch, and timbre to convey raw, unfiltered emotions and inner turmoil
- Breakdown of traditional tonality in Expressionist music paved the way for the development of atonality and serialism
- Expressionism challenged listeners' expectations by rejecting familiar melodic and harmonic structures, resulting in dissonant and angular musical textures
- Influenced by concurrent movements in visual arts (Wassily Kandinsky, Edvard Munch) and literature (Franz Kafka, August Strindberg)
Understanding Atonality
- Atonality refers to music that lacks a tonal center or key
- Deliberately avoids traditional harmonic progressions and tonal hierarchies
- Utilizes all twelve tones of the chromatic scale without establishing a clear tonal center
- Developed as a natural progression from the extreme of late Romantic composers (Wagner, Mahler)
- Atonality can be free (without systematic organization) or structured (twelve-tone technique, serialism)
- Challenges traditional concepts of consonance and dissonance, often treating all intervals equally
Impact on Musical Language
- Expressionism and atonality expanded the expressive possibilities of music beyond traditional tonal constraints
- Led to the development of new compositional techniques (twelve-tone technique, serialism)
- Influenced subsequent musical movements (modernism, avant-garde)
- Challenged performers to develop new technical skills and interpretive approaches
- Expanded the timbral palette of instruments and voices through
- Paved the way for electronic and computer music in the latter half of the 20th century
Expressionist and Atonal Composers and Works
The Second Viennese School
- Arnold Schoenberg pioneered atonality and founded the Second Viennese School
- Key works: "" (1912), "Erwartung" (1909), "Five Pieces for Orchestra" (1909)
- , Schoenberg's student, composed atonal and expressionist works
- Notable compositions: opera "" (1922), Lyric Suite for string quartet (1926)
- , another prominent member of the Second Viennese School, wrote highly concentrated atonal works
- Significant pieces: "Six Pieces for Orchestra" (1909), "Five Pieces for Orchestra" (1913)
- Second Viennese School developed and popularized the twelve-tone technique
- Their works often featured extreme and psychological depth
Other Influential Composers
- Alexander Scriabin's later works exhibit characteristics of both Expressionism and atonality
- Example: "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire" (1910)
- Béla Bartók incorporated expressionist elements in his compositions
- Notable works: opera "Bluebeard's Castle" (1911), String Quartet No. 4 (1928)
- Igor Stravinsky's ballet "The Rite of Spring" (1913) considered a landmark of musical Expressionism
- Charles Ives experimented with atonality and in works like "The Unanswered Question" (1908)
- Edgard Varèse pushed the boundaries of timbre and texture in pieces like "Ionisation" (1931)
Legacy and Influence
- Expressionist and atonal techniques influenced later composers (Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen)
- Impact extended to film music, particularly in horror and suspense genres
- Concepts of atonality and extended techniques incorporated into jazz and popular music
- Influenced development of electronic and computer music in the latter half of the 20th century
- Continues to shape contemporary classical music and avant-garde composition
Dissonance, Chromaticism, and Extended Techniques
Dissonance and Chromaticism
- Dissonance deliberately emphasized to create tension and emotional intensity
- Use of harsh intervals (minor seconds, tritones) and chord clusters
- Extreme chromaticism employed, often utilizing all twelve tones of the chromatic scale
- Traditional concepts of consonance and dissonance challenged or abandoned
- Harmonic language expanded to include non-functional chord progressions
- Polytonality and used to create complex harmonic textures
- (smaller than a semitone) explored by some composers (Alois Hába, Ivan Wyschnegradsky)
Extended Techniques and Timbral Exploration
- Extended techniques for instruments and voices produce unconventional sounds and timbres
- (speech-song) in Schoenberg's "Pierrot Lunaire"
- (objects placed on strings) in John Cage's works
- (tone-color melody) introduced as a compositional technique
- Timbral quality of notes becomes a primary element (Webern's "Five Pieces for Orchestra")
- Exploration of extreme registers and unconventional playing techniques
- Flutter-tonguing in wind instruments
- Col legno (playing with the wood of the bow) in string instruments
- Electronic manipulation of acoustic instruments (tape music, live electronics)
- Incorporation of non-musical sounds and noise into compositions ()
Rhythmic and Formal Innovations
- Rhythmic complexity and irregularity are common features
- Eschewing traditional meter and pulse in favor of more fluid or fragmented rhythmic structures
- Polyrhythms and cross-rhythms used to create temporal disorientation
- Rapid changes in dynamics, register, and texture create a sense of instability
- Formal structures become more fluid and less predictable
- Breaking away from traditional forms (sonata, rondo)
- Development of moment form (Stockhausen) and aleatory techniques (John Cage)
- Use of graphic notation and text scores to represent non-traditional musical ideas
- Exploration of silence and space as compositional elements (Webern's concise style, Cage's 4'33")
Key Terms to Review (28)
12-tone technique: The 12-tone technique is a method of musical composition that uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific sequence, called a tone row, ensuring that each note is treated equally and no single note is emphasized. This approach emerged in the early 20th century, serving as a key characteristic of atonal music and reflecting the principles of Expressionism. Composers utilizing this method sought to create new structures in music, breaking away from traditional tonality and embracing more abstract forms.
Alban Berg: Alban Berg was an influential Austrian composer known for his contributions to the development of atonality and expressionism in the early 20th century. His music often blends lyrical melodies with complex structures, reflecting the emotional depth characteristic of expressionist art. He also played a pivotal role in the evolution of serialism, a compositional technique that arranges pitches in a predetermined sequence, which showcases the intersection of these two significant musical movements.
Anton Webern: Anton Webern was an Austrian composer and conductor, known for his pioneering work in atonality and serialism, significantly influencing 20th-century music. His compositions are characterized by their brevity, clarity, and emotional depth, often embodying the principles of expressionism while also paving the way for neoclassical forms. Webern's innovative use of sound and structure exemplifies the shift away from traditional harmonic practices and embraces new methods of organization in music.
Arnold Schoenberg: 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.
Atonality: Atonality refers to a musical style that lacks a tonal center or key, meaning it does not adhere to the traditional hierarchies of pitches found in Western music. This approach emerged prominently in the early 20th century, reflecting a break from established tonal systems and allowing for greater freedom in musical expression. Atonality challenges conventional notions of melody and harmony, often leading to innovative structures and emotional depth in compositions.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental approaches in the arts that challenge established norms and conventions. This term is often associated with movements that seek to push boundaries and explore new ideas, particularly in music, where it embodies radical techniques and concepts such as atonality and electronic sound. Avant-garde artists aim to provoke thought and inspire change, making their work a vital part of cultural evolution.
Chromaticism: Chromaticism refers to the use of notes outside the traditional scale or key, which adds complexity and color to music. This technique allows composers to incorporate additional pitches, leading to richer harmonies and more emotional expression. In various musical contexts, chromaticism serves to heighten tension, enhance melodic lines, and create a sense of movement away from diatonic harmony, enriching the overall musical landscape.
Disjunction: Disjunction in music refers to the quality of intervals or melodic lines that are characterized by leaps or skips rather than smooth, stepwise motion. This concept is particularly significant in the context of expressionism and atonality, where composers often used disjunct melodies to convey emotional intensity and complexity, breaking away from traditional tonal structures.
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to a combination of tones that create a sense of tension, instability, or conflict in music. This concept is essential in understanding how harmony and tonality function, as dissonance often leads to a resolution that provides a feeling of relief through consonance. The interplay between dissonance and consonance is key to expressing emotion, shaping musical narratives, and enhancing the dramatic qualities found in different musical styles, especially as music evolved through various historical contexts.
Early 20th century: The early 20th century refers to the period from 1900 to the end of World War II in 1945, marked by dramatic changes in society, politics, and art. This time was characterized by a shift away from traditional norms, leading to innovative movements in music that reflected new ideas and emotions, such as expressionism, neoclassicism, and serialism. The experimentation during this period laid the groundwork for modern music, where composers sought to break free from established tonal systems.
Emotional Intensity: Emotional intensity refers to the depth and strength of feelings conveyed through music, significantly impacting how listeners connect with and experience a piece. This concept is central to understanding the expressive nature of music, where composers often use various techniques to evoke powerful emotions. Whether through dynamic contrasts, melodic development, or harmonic choices, emotional intensity shapes the listener's perception and response to the music, making it a key feature in the works of certain musical periods and movements.
Expressionism: Expressionism is a modernist movement in music that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its focus on conveying emotional experiences rather than representing physical reality. This style often employs atonality, where traditional tonal centers are abandoned, allowing composers to express intense feelings and psychological states through dissonance and unconventional harmonic structures.
Extended techniques: Extended techniques refer to non-traditional methods of sound production on musical instruments, pushing the boundaries of conventional playing. These techniques can include unconventional ways of bowing string instruments, using multiphonics in wind instruments, or various vocalizations beyond standard singing. This concept is pivotal in innovative music styles, allowing composers and performers to explore new sonic landscapes and emotional expressions.
Fragmentation: Fragmentation is the process of breaking down musical ideas into smaller, distinct sections or motifs. This technique allows composers to develop themes in various ways, creating contrast and complexity within a piece. By utilizing fragmentation, musicians can emphasize certain aspects of a melody or harmonic structure, contributing to the overall expression and emotional depth of the work.
Intervallic relationships: Intervallic relationships refer to the distances between two pitches, which can define the quality and function of notes in music. These relationships are crucial for understanding harmony, melody, and the overall structure of compositions, particularly in genres that explore complex emotional expressions. In the context of atonality and expressionism, intervallic relationships become a vital tool for composers to convey dissonance and tension, as traditional tonal frameworks are often abandoned.
Klangfarbenmelodie: Klangfarbenmelodie, which translates to 'tone-color melody,' is a musical concept where the melody is fragmented and distributed across different instruments, emphasizing the unique timbres of each. This technique is particularly associated with expressionism and atonality, allowing composers to explore new textures and colors in music, moving away from traditional melodic lines and harmonies. It creates a rich sound experience that highlights the emotional depth and complexity of the music.
Microtonal intervals: Microtonal intervals are musical intervals smaller than the conventional semitone, which is the smallest interval in Western music. These intervals allow composers to explore new sounds and express emotions in ways that traditional tuning systems may not accommodate, often creating a sense of tension or unique color in music. In the context of Expressionism and Atonality, microtonal intervals become a tool for composers to push the boundaries of harmony and develop a more nuanced emotional landscape.
Musique concrète: Musique concrète is a form of experimental music that utilizes recorded sounds from the environment, manipulating these sounds to create compositions. This innovative approach emerged in the mid-20th century, challenging traditional concepts of music by incorporating everyday noises, speech, and other non-instrumental sounds into the fabric of musical creation.
Pierrot Lunaire: Pierrot Lunaire is a melodrama composed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1912, featuring a series of 21 short movements that blend music and spoken word. It exemplifies the characteristics of expressionism and atonality, with its innovative use of Sprechstimme—a vocal technique that combines speech and singing, creating an unsettling and emotional atmosphere that reflects the inner turmoil of the characters.
Pitch Class: Pitch class refers to a group of all pitches that are a whole number of octaves apart. In music, this means that all notes that share the same letter name (like C or G) belong to the same pitch class, regardless of their octave. This concept is vital in understanding how melodies and harmonies are constructed, as it helps to simplify the relationship between different notes, especially in atonal compositions and various melodic structures.
Polychords: Polychords are harmonic structures that consist of two or more chords played simultaneously, creating a rich and complex sound. This concept often appears in modern music styles, especially during periods of expressionism and atonality, where traditional tonal frameworks are challenged. By stacking chords, composers can evoke varied emotional responses and explore new musical territories.
Polytonality: Polytonality is the use of two or more different keys simultaneously in a musical composition. This technique adds a unique harmonic complexity and creates a richer texture, allowing composers to express contrasting emotions or ideas within a single piece. It often challenges traditional tonal systems and is closely associated with 20th-century music, particularly in the context of expressionism and atonality.
Post-tonal: Post-tonal refers to a period in music history that emerged after the tonal system, characterized by a departure from traditional harmonic structures and an exploration of new musical languages. It encompasses various styles, including atonality and serialism, where composers sought to break free from established norms and express complex emotions through innovative soundscapes.
Prepared piano: A prepared piano is a piano that has had its sound altered by placing objects on or between the strings, transforming it into a percussion instrument and creating unique timbres. This technique allows composers to explore new sonic possibilities and expand the expressive range of traditional piano music, fitting seamlessly into experimental and avant-garde styles.
Second Viennese School: The Second Viennese School refers to a group of composers in the early 20th century who were pivotal in the development of atonality and serialism, with Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern as its most prominent figures. This movement marked a significant departure from traditional tonal music, emphasizing emotional expression and complex musical structures that rejected conventional harmony. The school's approach laid the groundwork for many modern musical trends that followed.
Sprechstimme: Sprechstimme is a vocal technique that combines elements of speaking and singing, where the performer delivers text in a speech-like manner while following specific pitch notations. This technique allows composers to convey intense emotion and expression, often found in works associated with Expressionism and atonal music. By blurring the lines between speech and song, sprechstimme enhances the dramatic effect and emotional depth of a performance.
Subjective experience: Subjective experience refers to the personal, internal perception and interpretation of events, emotions, and sensations as they are understood by an individual. In music, this concept emphasizes the emotional and psychological reactions that listeners have towards a piece, rather than any objective measure of its qualities. This understanding is crucial in genres like expressionism and atonality, where the intent is often to provoke deep personal responses and challenge traditional notions of harmony and structure.
Wozzeck: Wozzeck is an opera composed by Alban Berg, based on the play 'Woyzeck' by Georg Büchner. This work is a prime example of expressionism in music, characterized by its exploration of deep emotional experiences and psychological struggles. It features atonal music that conveys the turmoil of the protagonist, Wozzeck, as he navigates a world filled with social injustice and personal despair.