Twelve-tone Composition Technique

What composition technique involves arranging pitches of the chromatic scale in a preset order before using them to create music?

a. minimalism

b. rhythmic tone row

c. twelve-tone technique

d. chromatic technique

Answer:

Twelve-tone composition

The composition technique known as the twelve-tone technique involves arranging pitches of the chromatic scale in a preset order before using them to create music. This technique was developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century as a way to ensure that all twelve notes in the chromatic scale were given equal importance in a musical composition.

Unlike traditional tonal music, which is centered around a central key or tonal center, twelve-tone compositions are based on a tone row that contains all twelve pitch classes without preference to any particular note. This technique revolutionized the way composers approached harmonic structure and paved the way for new forms of expression in music.

One of the key principles of the twelve-tone technique is that no note should be repeated until all twelve have been used. This creates a sense of balance and unity in the composition, as each note is given its own unique place within the overall structure.

Some of the most famous composers who embraced the twelve-tone technique include Anton Webern, Alban Berg, and Milton Babbitt. Their works pushed the boundaries of traditional harmony and opened up new possibilities for musical exploration.