Twelve-tone technique

Definition

Twelve-tone technique is a method of musical composition devised by Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century that uses a series of all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale in a specific order, known as a tone row. This approach aims to ensure that each note has equal importance, avoiding traditional tonal hierarchies and allowing for greater freedom in musical expression. The twelve-tone method significantly influenced various composers, including Alberto Ginastera, who incorporated elements of this technique into his works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alberto Ginastera was influenced by twelve-tone techniques but often blended them with elements of Argentine folk music to create a unique sound.
2. In twelve-tone composition, each of the twelve pitches must appear before any note can be repeated, ensuring a balanced use of all available tones.
3. The method allows for various transformations of the tone row, such as retrograde (playing it backward), inversion (mirroring it), and transposition (shifting it up or down in pitch).
4. While Schoenberg is credited with developing this technique, many later composers adapted and modified it to fit their own styles and cultural contexts.
5. Ginastera's application of twelve-tone techniques can be heard in some of his works where he uses dissonance and complex rhythms characteristic of the style.

Review Questions

• How does Alberto Ginastera's use of twelve-tone technique reflect his unique musical style compared to other composers?
  • Alberto Ginastera's use of twelve-tone technique is distinct because he often combines it with elements from Argentine folk music, creating a sound that is both modern and rooted in his cultural heritage. Unlike some composers who adhered strictly to the twelve-tone system, Ginastera adapted it to incorporate rhythmic vitality and melodic gestures reflective of his homeland. This blending of styles allows his compositions to stand out within the context of 20th-century music.
• Discuss the significance of the tone row in twelve-tone technique and how composers manipulate it.
  • The tone row serves as the foundational element in twelve-tone technique, dictating the order of pitches used throughout a composition. Composers manipulate the tone row through various transformations, including retrograde, inversion, and transposition. These manipulations maintain a structured approach while allowing for creativity and variation in expression, which is critical for composers like Ginastera who sought to explore new musical landscapes while adhering to the principles of serialism.
• Evaluate the impact of twelve-tone technique on contemporary music composition and its relevance to artists like Ginastera.
  • The impact of twelve-tone technique on contemporary music composition is profound, as it challenged traditional tonal systems and opened doors for greater experimentation in harmony and structure. For artists like Ginastera, this technique provided a framework within which they could explore their own cultural influences while participating in broader modernist movements. By integrating twelve-tone methods with folk elements, Ginastera not only expanded his own compositional language but also contributed to the evolution of classical music in Latin America, illustrating the technique's versatility and ongoing relevance.

Related terms

tone row: A specific sequence of the twelve pitches used in twelve-tone music, serving as the foundational element for composition.

serialism: An extension of twelve-tone technique that involves organizing other musical elements, such as dynamics or rhythm, into a series.

atonality: A musical system that rejects the traditional tonal center, leading to music without a key or tonal hierarchy.