Twentieth Century Music Ch. 1-6

Atonality refers to the absence of a tonal center or key in music. It is a musical concept where there is no hierarchy or organization of pitches based on traditional tonal principles. Instead, atonal music is characterized by the lack of a clear tonal center, dissonant harmonies, and the use of unconventional scales and chords. This departure from tonality allows for greater freedom and experimentation in composition, challenging traditional notions of harmony and structure in music.

Rapidly changing meters are characteristic of the twentieth century. This time period was marked by significant developments in music, with composers experimenting with new rhythms and meters. The use of irregular and asymmetrical meters became more prevalent, challenging traditional musical structures and creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement in the music. This departure from the more stable and predictable meters of previous periods, such as the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, is a defining feature of the twentieth century.

An emphasis on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity is characteristic of Impressionism. Impressionist composers sought to capture fleeting moments and sensations through their music, using colorful harmonies, delicate textures, and evocative melodies. They focused on creating an impression or mood rather than following traditional forms or structures. This emphasis on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity is what distinguishes Impressionism as a significant trend in Twentieth Century music.

Stravinsky is the correct answer because he is known for incorporating Neoclassical techniques in some of his compositions. Neoclassicism was a movement in the 20th century that sought to revive classical forms and structures, and Stravinsky embraced this style in works such as "Pulcinella" and "Symphony of Psalms." His use of clear, balanced melodies, and rhythmic precision in these compositions exemplify his adoption of Neoclassical techniques.

A rapid slide up or down a scale is called a glissando. This technique is commonly used in music, where a performer slides their finger or a bow across the strings of an instrument to smoothly transition between two notes. The glissando adds a dynamic and expressive element to the music, creating a sliding effect that can evoke different emotions depending on the context. Crescendo and diminuendo, on the other hand, refer to changes in volume or intensity, while "none of the above" is not applicable in this case as glissando is the correct term for the given description.

Neoclassicism is the correct answer because it is a Twentieth Century trend that is characterized by emotional restraint, balance, and clarity. It incorporates musical forms and styles from the eighteenth century, while also incorporating harmonies and rhythms from the twentieth century. Neoclassicism sought to revive the classical ideals of order, simplicity, and rationality in response to the emotional and expressive excesses of Romanticism. It aimed to create a sense of objectivity and universality in music, drawing inspiration from the music of composers such as Bach, Haydn, and Mozart.

A chord made up of tones that are only a half step or whole step apart is called a tone cluster. In a tone cluster, the individual tones are played simultaneously, creating a dissonant and dense sound. This type of chord is often used in contemporary music to create tension and a sense of chaos. The close proximity of the tones in a tone cluster creates a harsh and dissonant sound that can be quite striking to the listener.

Stravinsky's best-known early works were ballets. This is because Stravinsky gained fame and recognition for his groundbreaking collaborations with the Ballets Russes, particularly his three ballets: The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring. These ballets revolutionized the world of classical music and established Stravinsky as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

In the 20th century, dissonance was more widely used than in previous time periods. Dissonance refers to the combination of notes or chords that create a sense of tension or instability in music. This technique became popular during the 20th century as composers began to experiment with new and innovative ways of expressing emotions and challenging traditional musical conventions. The use of dissonance allowed for greater complexity and depth in musical compositions, marking a departure from the more harmonically stable and consonant styles of previous eras.

Debussy was influenced by French Impressionist paintings and Symbolist poetry. This can be seen in his musical style, which often features dreamlike and atmospheric qualities, similar to the soft brushstrokes and ethereal themes found in Impressionist paintings. Additionally, Debussy's use of symbolism and evocative imagery in his compositions reflects the influence of Symbolist poetry, which sought to express emotions and ideas through suggestive and abstract language. Therefore, Debussy is the composer who was influenced by these artistic movements.

"Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" is a composition by Claude Debussy that is considered a prime example of Impressionism in music. Impressionism is a Twentieth Century trend characterized by the use of non-traditional scales, unconventional harmonies, and a focus on creating atmospheric and evocative soundscapes. Debussy's piece showcases these characteristics through its dreamlike and fluid melodies, use of exotic scales, and the blurring of traditional tonal boundaries. Therefore, the correct answer is Impressionism.

A combination of two chords heard at the same time is called a polychord.