Rhythm was underdeveloped in Western music before 1900. It became much more complex and irregular in the 20th century.

Melody became of secondary importance in much of the music in the 20th century. Melodies were often erratic with wide leaps, irregular rhythms, and unexpected phrases - an instrumental rather than vocal approach.

Harmony was freed from "the tyranny of tonality" (Schoenberg). References to a "key" or tonal center were often determined unimportant and atonality was explored. New scale and chord structures were developed.

Timbre was explored in depth. New playing techniques were developed on traditional instruments to expand their tonal range. New instruments were created (mostly electronic) and instruments unique to "world" or ethnic music were incorporated into the sonic spectrum.

Recording technology increased accessibility for audiences and change the way musicians created music and made a living.

	emotional expression
	dissolution of tonality
	jagged melodic lines

 

Serialism

(then Hyperserialism)

(1874 - 1951 )

Austrian

Verklarte Nacht (excerpt)

Pierrot Lunaire (excerpt)

Milton Babbitt

(1916 -   )

American

Composition for Synthesizer