Modern

Question 1

key to know about 20th century period

Answer 1

brought radical changes in music: new harmonies, rhythms, instruments, and
ways of thinking.

explored dissonance, new scales, and experimental
techniques.

Different movements emerged: Impressionism, Modernism, Minimalism, Electronic music, and
more.

Question 2

three important modern composers and their pieces

Answer 2

1) Debussy: claire de lune
2) Stravinsky: rite of spring
3) Barber: Adagio for Strings

Question 3

describe Clair de Lune (period, style and elements)

Answer 3

modern: impressionism

focus: mood, color, and gentle expression

uses: soft dynamics, rubato, and flowing melody

Question 4

describe Stravinsky’s rite of spring (period, style and elements)

Answer 4

modern: early modernism/ballet

dissonance, irregular rhythms, and violent energy

Caused a riot at its premiere because of its music and choreography

Question 5

describe Barber’s Adagio for Strings

Answer 5

modern

Performed widely after WWII, often associated with mourning and reflection

Features slow tempo, emotional melodies, and rich harmonies

Question 6

What are two major ways that 20th-century music differs from earlier classical music?

Answer 6

Use of atonality and dissonance

Unconventional rhythms and experimental forms

Question 7

How does Clair de Lune reflect the style of Impressionism?

Answer 7

Soft tone colors, blurred harmonies

Fluid rhythm, evokes mood over structure

Question 8

Describe two musical elements in The Rite of Spring that made it feel shocking or different.

Answer 8

Irregular rhythms and violent accents

Dissonant harmonies and unusual orchestration

Question 9

. Why is Adagio for Strings considered a powerful piece for mourning or national tragedy?

Answer 9

Slow, rising melodic line evokes grief

Gradual dynamic swell creates emotional intensity