Post-tonal

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-tonal music emerged in the early 20th century as composers sought to move beyond the constraints of traditional tonality.
2. Key composers associated with post-tonal music include Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who were pivotal in developing atonal and serial techniques.
3. The use of dissonance is a hallmark of post-tonal music, as composers embraced non-traditional harmonic relationships to evoke deeper emotional responses.
4. Post-tonal music often features complex textures and structures that challenge listeners' expectations, leading to a diverse range of styles within this movement.
5. The shift to post-tonal music marked a significant transformation in Western classical music, influencing genres beyond classical, including jazz and contemporary popular music.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of post-tonal music change the way composers approached harmony and melody?
  • The emergence of post-tonal music fundamentally altered composers' approaches to harmony and melody by encouraging the exploration of dissonance and non-traditional structures. Composers began to move away from the established tonal system that governed Western music for centuries, opting instead for atonality and serial techniques. This shift allowed for greater emotional expression and complexity in musical language, challenging both composers and listeners to engage with sound in new ways.
• Evaluate the role of expressionism in shaping the characteristics of post-tonal music.
  • Expressionism played a crucial role in shaping post-tonal music by emphasizing intense emotional expression and individual perspectives. Composers influenced by this movement adopted dissonance and unconventional forms to convey complex feelings. The integration of expressionist ideals led to a unique sound that diverged from traditional tonality, reflecting the societal changes and psychological themes prevalent during the early 20th century.
• Synthesize how the development of atonality and serialism within post-tonal music reflects broader cultural shifts in the early 20th century.
  • The development of atonality and serialism within post-tonal music mirrors broader cultural shifts in the early 20th century, including reactions to World War I, advancements in technology, and changing social norms. These styles represent a break from tradition, paralleling movements in art, literature, and philosophy that questioned established beliefs and norms. Composers sought new ways to articulate the complexities of human experience in a rapidly changing world, leading to innovative musical expressions that resonate with the tumultuous spirit of their time.

Related terms

Atonality: A musical style that avoids establishing a key or tonal center, often resulting in a more dissonant and unpredictable sound.

Serialism: A method of composition that uses a series of values to manipulate different musical elements, such as pitch, rhythm, and dynamics, creating structured yet non-tonal music.

Expressionism: An artistic movement that emphasizes emotional experience and individual perspective, often reflected in music through intense dissonance and unconventional forms.