DODECAPHONISM Meaning and
Definition
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Dodecaphonism, also known as twelve-tone music, is a method or technique employed in music composition that is characterized by the exclusive use of a twelve-tone scale. Developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century as a means to break free from traditional tonal systems, dodecaphonism sought to revolutionize music composition by dismantling the hierarchical structure of tonal relations.
At the core of dodecaphonism lies the twelve-tone row, which consists of all twelve pitches in an octave arranged in a particular order. These pitches, once established, form the basis for the entire composition. The row can be manipulated by transposing, inverting, or retrograding it throughout the composition, ensuring that no pitch is preferred over another. This intentional method of equalizing the melodic and harmonic resources creates a stark and dissonant aesthetic.
Dodecaphonism challenged conventional tonality and paved the way for more avant-garde and experimental music during the 20th century. The absence of traditional harmony and melody, replaced by serial approaches, expanded the possibilities for musical expression, and composers embraced the freedom to explore new sonic territories. However, dodecaphonism also sparked debates among musicians and critics, as it demanded listeners to engage with unfamiliar and at times challenging soundscapes.
Today, dodecaphonism remains an important movement in the history of music composition, continuing to influence contemporary composers and shape the landscape of modern classical music.
Common Misspellings for DODECAPHONISM
- sodecaphonism
- xodecaphonism
- codecaphonism
- fodecaphonism
- rodecaphonism
- eodecaphonism
- didecaphonism
- dkdecaphonism
- dldecaphonism
- dpdecaphonism
- d0decaphonism
- d9decaphonism
- dosecaphonism
- doxecaphonism
- docecaphonism
- dofecaphonism
- dorecaphonism
- doeecaphonism
- dodwcaphonism
- dodscaphonism
Etymology of DODECAPHONISM
The word "dodecaphonism" is derived from Greek roots.
"Dodeka" means "twelve" in Greek, and "phone" means "sound" or "voice". Therefore, "dodecaphonism" literally translates to "twelve sounds" or "twelve voices".
The term was coined by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century to describe his own musical technique, which is commonly referred to as "twelve-tone technique" or "serialism". Thus, "dodecaphonism" specifically refers to the compositional method of using all twelve chromatic pitches in a predetermined order without establishing a tonal center.
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