MI: LIBRARY: HISTORY: TWENTIETH CENTURY

The music of the 1900’s, often referred to as “modern” music, represents the longing of composers to break free of past restraints in the art of composing. Schoenberg, one of the times most notable composers, experimented with new scales and systems by which to compose. Debussy created the “Impressionism” style, named after a movement in French art. 

One of the most well-known composers of the time, made bold experiments with songs of past styles, and the unique ideas of the twentieth century. Of course, this composer was Bartok. Bartok took forms of the twentieth century and blended them with the Hungarian tunes of peasants.

Working on the modified orchestra, was an array of wonderful composers. These included Stravinsky, and Mahler. Both making the symphony more colorful. 

While the century did bring many new forms of music. It also carried on the traditional music. music that could be enjoyed without an abstract ear. Some of the great composers of this music included Rachmaninoff and Puccini.