Twentieth-century harmony is a fascinating and complex landscape that moved away from the traditional tonal systems but still maintained a logical structure and musical coherence. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and others experimented with various approaches to harmony that either built upon or entirely rejected the conventions of earlier musical eras. This article delves into the diverse and intricate methods used by 20th-century composers, with a focus on the 12-tone technique and set theory.
Understanding Expanded Tonality
Expanded tonality is a term that describes the effort of composers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create new harmonic combinations, moving away from traditional tonality but not completely discarding it. Composers like Wagner, Liszt, and Mahler paved the way for this transition. Wagner's chromaticism, Liszt's insistence on inventing new chords, and Mahler's complex harmonies all contributed to the idea of treating all twelve tones as equal.
Bitonality: Playing with Two Keys
Bitonality involves writing music in two keys simultaneously, creating a rich tapestry of harmonies and dissonances. This technique was notably utilized by Charles Ives in his compositions, such as "Dance of the Cuckoos." By playing different keys on the piano, composers can generate unexpected harmonies and explore a new realm of musical expression.
Poly-modality: Embracing Multiple Modes
Poly-modality is a technique where composers combine natural and artificial modes, such as the pentatonic or whole tone scales. This approach brings a sense of freedom and complexity to the composition process. Composers like Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky used this technique to create music that defied the rigid structures of previous eras.
Free Atonality: Breaking the Rules
Free atonality is a term coined by Arnold Schoenberg, as seen in his works like the String Quartet No. 2. In this approach, composers don't adhere to any particular harmonic system, creating music that defies traditional tonal boundaries. Schoenberg's pieces in this style are characterized by their short and experimental nature, with a focus on exploring new combinations of intervals and transpositions.
The 12-Tone Technique: A New Harmonic System
The 12-tone technique, also known as dodecaphony, was developed by Arnold Schoenberg as a method to avoid tonal progressions. This technique involves the systematic use of all twelve notes in a sequence, ensuring that no single note is repeated until all others have been used. This approach, as seen in Alban Berg's Violin Concerto, created a new harmonic system that, though not widely used, resulted in some of the most significant masterpieces in modern music.
Integral Serialism: Expanding the Concept
Integral serialism goes beyond the 12-tone technique by applying serial techniques to multiple parameters, such as duration, dynamics, and timbre. This method creates a highly mathematical and structured approach to composition, as seen in the works of composers like Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. The result can be complex and challenging for listeners but often maintains a logical and cohesive structure.
Exploring Ronnie Jarzombek's Unique Approach
Ron Jarzombek, known for his unconventional methods, even uses a 12-tone fragment in his compositions. One of his unique tricks is assigning letters to the staff and then spelling a word to create a melody. This can be turned into a song with a counter-melody and chords, adding a layer of complexity and innovation to his music. A specific example of this technique can be seen in his piece Word Play, where a word like "FANATIC" is used to generate a melody, counter-melody, and chord progression.
Conclusion: A Labyrinth of Harmonies
20th-century harmony is a rich and complex landscape, with a multitude of overlapping systems and approaches. From expanded tonality to the 12-tone technique and integral serialism, composers have continuously pushed the boundaries of musical expression. While each system has its own unique characteristics and challenges, they all contribute to the diverse and fascinating world of atonal and microtonal music.