12-tone technique

Definition

The 12-tone technique is a compositional method developed by Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century that uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order, known as a tone row. This method ensures that each note is given equal importance, eliminating traditional hierarchies found in tonal music. It serves as a framework for creating atonal music while providing structure through serialization, where variations of the original row are manipulated and transformed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 12-tone technique was revolutionary because it allowed composers to move away from traditional tonal frameworks and create entirely new sound worlds.
2. Composers using this technique often create multiple forms of the tone row, including retrograde (backwards), inversion (upside down), and transposition (shifting to different pitches).
3. Notable composers who adopted or were influenced by the 12-tone technique include Alban Berg and Anton Webern, both part of the Second Viennese School.
4. The technique is foundational to serialism, which extends beyond pitch to include parameters like rhythm, dynamics, and timbre, creating complex musical textures.
5. While some listeners find 12-tone music challenging due to its lack of tonal centers, it opened new avenues for expression and innovation in 20th-century music.

Review Questions

• How does the 12-tone technique change the perception of pitch organization compared to traditional tonal systems?
  • The 12-tone technique shifts the perception of pitch organization by treating all twelve chromatic notes equally rather than establishing a hierarchy with a tonal center. This approach challenges listeners who are accustomed to tonal music, where certain notes are emphasized and serve as focal points. In 12-tone compositions, each note's equal importance leads to a more complex and often abstract sound world, encouraging listeners to engage with music on a different level.
• Discuss how composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern expanded on Schoenberg's original ideas regarding the 12-tone technique.
  • Alban Berg and Anton Webern took Schoenberg's 12-tone technique and infused it with their unique styles, expanding its application in various ways. Berg often incorporated elements of romanticism into his 12-tone works, creating lush harmonies and emotional depth that appealed to audiences. Webern, on the other hand, focused on brevity and precision, using the technique to create intricate textures with sparse materials. Both composers contributed to the evolution of serialism while maintaining their distinct musical identities.
• Evaluate the impact of the 12-tone technique on modern music composition and its relevance in today's musical landscape.
  • The impact of the 12-tone technique on modern music composition has been profound and far-reaching. It not only revolutionized how composers approached pitch but also influenced genres beyond classical music, including jazz and avant-garde practices. Today, many contemporary composers continue to utilize serial techniques, blending them with various styles and technologies. The principles behind the 12-tone method encourage innovation and experimentation, making it a relevant tool for artists seeking to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

Related terms

Tone Row: A specific arrangement of the twelve pitches used in 12-tone composition, which serves as the basis for developing musical material.

Atonality: A musical style that avoids establishing a tonal center or key, resulting in music that does not adhere to traditional harmonic practices.

Serialism: A broader technique that involves the use of ordered sequences, or series, in various aspects of music composition beyond just pitch, such as rhythm and dynamics.