MUSIC 10 LESSON 2 PRIMITIVISM TO NEO CLASSISM

Summary

In this lesson, Sir Mark Priscilla introduces the concept of primitivism in 20th-century music, highlighting its tonal nature and links to other movements like exoticism and nationalism. The lesson explores the contributions of composers like Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok, who played pivotal roles in this style. Sir Mark also touches on neoclassicism as a moderating factor between romantic excess and expressionism, featuring composers such as Francis Poulenc and Sergei Prokofiev. The lesson emphasizes the importance of these composers and movements in shaping contemporary music, encouraging students to appreciate their foundational influence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sir Mark introduces himself as the teacher for the lesson on 20th-century music.
• 😀 The objectives of the lesson include exploring performance practice, characteristics of instrumental and vocal music, and famous composers.
• 😀 The lesson will cover primitivism in music, a style characterized by tonal music and the synthesis of new sounds from simple events.
• 😀 Primitivism is linked to exoticism and nationalism, drawing on materials from different cultures and ethnicities.
• 😀 Two key proponents of primitivism are Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok.
• 😀 Bela Bartok, born in 1881 in Hungary (now Romania), was a prominent composer known for his exploration of Hungarian folk music.
• 😀 Bartok's most famous works include his six string quartets, which represent a 30-year creative journey.
• 😀 Bartok emigrated to the United States in 1940 due to political unrest in Hungary, where he passed away in 1945.
• 😀 Neoclassicism, as a musical style, balances the emotional intensity of Romanticism with the formal structures of earlier classical music.
• 😀 Famous composers in the neoclassical style include Francis Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky, and Sergei Prokofiev, known for their mix of modern and classical elements.

Q & A

What is the main topic of today's lesson?

The main topic of today's lesson is primitivism in 20th-century music, including its characteristics and prominent composers.

What are the objectives of this lesson?

The objectives are to experience the performance practice of music, enumerate the characteristics of instrumental and vocal music, and explore the famous composers associated with different musical styles.

How is primitivism in music defined?

Primitivism in music is tonal, asserting one note as more important than others. It creates new sounds by synthesizing old ones, often by juxtaposing two simple events to produce a more complex new one.

What are the connections between primitivism and other musical movements?

Primitivism is linked to exoticism, nationalism, and European ethnic music through the use of materials from different cultures and ethnicities.

Who are the two famous proponents of primitivism mentioned in the lesson?

The two well-known proponents of primitivism discussed are Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók.

What is notable about Béla Bartók's early life and career?

Béla Bartók was born in Hungary (now Romania), studied at the Budapest Royal Academy of Music, and was inspired by Richard Strauss's work. He also explored Hungarian folk music as a concert pianist.

What is Béla Bartók most famous for?

Béla Bartók is most famous for his six string quartets, which are considered the greatest achievement of his creative life.

What is neoclassicism, and how does it relate to the Romantic period?

Neoclassicism was a moderating style between the emotional excesses of the Romantic period and the violent impulses of expressionism. It combines classical forms with modern tonal harmonies and slight dissonances.

How did Stravinsky contribute to neoclassicism?

Stravinsky adopted neoclassical approaches, notably in works like 'The Firebird' and 'Piano Sonata,' where he combined classical formats with modern complexities like shifting time signatures and dissonances.

Who were some of the other composers associated with neoclassicism?

Other composers associated with neoclassicism include Francis Poulenc, Paul Hindemith, and Sergei Prokofiev.