Day 17

A little more time was spent on 12 tone music including a discussion of its purpose and expression. We enjoyed hearing some Webern, Dallapiccola, Babbitt, and Boulez. We also found a couple of examples of 12 tone blues in the jazz world. We kept reminding each other that 12 tone music was born out of an interest in chromaticism and equalizing all the tones of the scale. The concept of serialism, ordering of events, extended to more than just pitch through the music of Boulez and Babbitt with other composers experimenting with the idea.

An abrupt jump back to the Pre-classical era caused us to look at the Mannheim school of orchestral development and the discussion of instrumental music in the Classical period. A little time was spent demonstrating the approach to classical music and the reactions against the excesses of the Baroque period. With the advent and organization of Sonata form, we see a system of music that continues to affect us today. Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven form the canon of music of the classical period, and we still hear their music consistently.

We are now on the Romantic period which although vast and complicated will not be discussed with any depth. This is due to the common knowledge and interest that pervades most musicians. A study of orchestral repertoire and yes even choral concerts reveals an emphasis on Romanticism either in terms of the time period or in style. This is not a negative statement but rather the truth. Perhaps our human emotions find greater satisfaction in tonality and richness of tonal expression. Whatever the case, the ubiquitous usage of Romantic music causes us not to need another comprehensive discussion of this music.

So we will move onward to jazz and popular music of the 20th Century. The fun continues!