Twelve Tone Row: A compositional technique where all twelve notes of the chromatic scale are arranged in a specific sequence, ensuring no note is repeated until the others have been used.

Context and Significance

The twelve tone row plays a critical role in serialism, a method of composition that emerged in the 20th century. It is mainly associated with the works of composers like Arnold Schoenberg, who sought to break away from traditional tonal music. This technique is essential for creating atonal music, where no single note is more important than another, providing a new way of musical expression. It is frequently used in modern classical music and has influenced various genres.

Historical Background

The twelve tone row was developed by Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century as part of his twelve-tone technique. This method was a reaction to the perceived limitations of tonal harmony. Schoenberg’s innovation allowed composers to explore new musical landscapes by treating each of the twelve chromatic pitches equally. This approach marked a significant shift in Western music, leading to the development of serialism and influencing many composers in the subsequent decades.

Examples

A prominent example of the twelve tone row can be found in Schoenberg’s own works, such as his Suite for Piano, Op. 25. Composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern, who were Schoenberg’s disciples, also employed this technique in their compositions. Berg’s opera “Wozzeck” and Webern’s Symphony, Op. 21 showcase the application of twelve-tone rows, demonstrating the technique’s adaptability and expressive potential in orchestral and vocal music.

Related Terms

Serialism: A broader compositional technique systematizing elements beyond pitch.

Atonality: Music that lacks a tonal center or key.

Arnold Schoenberg: Composer and pioneer of the twelve-tone technique.

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