MUSIC APPRECIATION

A Revolution in Western Fine-Art Music

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A Revolution in Western Fine-Art Music

Introduction

Twentieth century music has undergone many developments in terms of styles, forms, and systems that were never part of Western fine-art music. This century saw many innovations in terms of the creation, performance and appreciation of music. Composers belonging to this era experienced many modern music forms and employed technology to enhance their quality of work. Early proponents of this new age of music included some former members of progressive rock bands, who turned an open ear to the music of many cultures, especially Eastern ones. Some New Age musicians are also trying to mingle ethnic music with elements of jazz, folk, and classical. Many 20th-century composers moved away from harmonic methods used in the industry for the more than 100 years (Werkhoven, 1997). Development of new, imaginative and technical methods of composition, and transformation of themes were also part of this revolution which brought about radical changes in harmony and symphonic poems for orchestra.

Development of New Systems and Sounds by Twentieth Century Composers- A Revolution in Western Fine-Art Music

From medieval times until the mid-20th century, composers working in the German speaking countries of central Europe created a rich and varied literature that has come to be regarded as the backbone of the Western art music tradition. Rejection of traditional music and introduction of new sounds by musical equipments also took place during the century. Numerous composers got influenced by these phenomena and started rejecting the tonality and Classical-Romantic tradition completely.

Water Walk by John Cage

Like other composers of this century, Cage also rejected the traditional view point in which music is center specific. He pioneered the idea that art is ubiquitous, and the center is wherever the audience gives priority. He envisioned life and art tangled with each other in unification that cannot be loosen. He opposed the ideology that things happening at the center of the orchestra concert are essentially more important as compared to things happening among the audience. Cage thought this delineation was unnecessary and constricting to the personal experience of music.

Walkure by Wagner

Wagner made radical changes in the field of music by fusing it with poetry, stage design, dance and sparking an artistic revolution. The application of this concept is apparent in the “Die Walkure”. Wagner envisioned a new orchestral language to carry the heavy and dramatic ...