Primitivism and Neoclassicism in 20th-Century Music

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, composers, and stylistic features related to Primitivism and Neoclassicism in 20th-century music.

Primitivism ("PremiTEOism")

A 20th-century musical trend that fuses two simple ideas to create a new, raw sound, often favoring clear, well-defined elements.

Exoticism

The practice of incorporating musical materials from cultures outside the composer’s own tradition.

Nationalism (in music)

The use of indigenous folk materials and styles specific to a composer’s home country.

Ethnicism

The borrowing of materials from various European art-music traditions.

Béla Bartók

Hungarian composer (1881-1945), pianist, teacher, and ethnomusicologist noted for blending modern techniques with folk elements; major works include the Piano Sonata, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and Cantata Profana.

Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Bartók’s 1936 masterpiece that combines modern harmony with Eastern European folk rhythms and unique orchestration.

Cantata Profana

Bartók’s large-scale choral work rooted in folk legend and modal harmony.

Neoclassicism

A 20th-century style that draws inspiration from 18th-century forms and textures while adding modern harmonies and rhythms.

Contrapuntal Technique

The interweaving of independent melodic lines; re-emerged prominently in neoclassical compositions.

Seven-Tone Diatonic Scale

The standard major/minor scale system frequently retained in neoclassical music.

Tonal Harmony with Slight Dissonance

Neoclassical hallmark in which traditional tonal centers are preserved but enriched by mild, controlled clashes.

Intricate Rhythmic Patterns

Complex yet engaging rhythmic designs characteristic of neoclassical works.

Sergei Prokofiev

Russian composer, pianist, and conductor (1891-1953); noted for ballets such as Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet that blend classical form with modern harmonies.

Francis Poulenc

French composer (1899-1963), member of Les Six, celebrated for elegant melodies and works for piano, voice, and chamber ensembles.

Les Six

A group of early-20th-century French composers, including Poulenc, dedicated to fresh, straightforward musical expression.

Primitivism ("PremiTEOism")

A 20th-century musical trend that fuses two simple ideas to create a new, raw sound, often favoring clear, well-defined elements.

Exoticism

The practice of incorporating musical materials from cultures outside the composer’s own tradition.

Nationalism (in music)

The use of indigenous folk materials and styles specific to a composer’s home country.

Ethnicism

The borrowing of materials from various European art-music traditions.

Béla Bartók

Hungarian composer (1881-1945), pianist, teacher, and ethnomusicologist noted for blending modern techniques with folk elements; major works include the Piano Sonata, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and Cantata Profana.

Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Bartók’s 1936 masterpiece that combines modern harmony with Eastern European folk rhythms and unique orchestration.

Cantata Profana

Bartók’s large-scale choral work rooted in folk legend and modal harmony.

Neoclassicism

A 20th-century style that draws inspiration from 18th-century forms and textures while adding modern harmonies and rhythms.

Contrapuntal Technique

The interweaving of independent melodic lines; re-emerged prominently in neoclassical compositions.

Seven-Tone Diatonic Scale

The standard major/minor scale system frequently retained in neoclassical music.

Tonal Harmony with Slight Dissonance

Neoclassical hallmark in which traditional tonal centers are preserved but enriched by mild, controlled clashes.

Intricate Rhythmic Patterns

Complex yet engaging rhythmic designs characteristic of neoclassical works.

Sergei Prokofiev

Russian composer, pianist, and conductor (1891-1953); noted for ballets such as Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet that blend classical form with modern harmonies.

Francis Poulenc

French composer (1899-1963), member of Les Six, celebrated for elegant melodies and works for piano, voice, and chamber ensembles.

Les Six

A group of early-20th-century French composers, including Poulenc, dedicated to fresh, straightforward musical expression.

Which composer is strongly associated with Primitivism, particularly through his ballet The Rite of Spring?

Igor Stravinsky.

What are some primary characteristics often found in Primitivist music?

Clear, well-defined elements; strong, often percussive rhythms; bitonality or polytonality; folk or ancient influences.

Primitivism ("PremiTEOism")

A 20th-century musical trend that fuses two simple ideas to create a new, raw sound, often favoring clear, well-defined elements.

Exoticism

The practice of incorporating musical materials from cultures outside the composer’s own tradition.

Nationalism (in music)

The use of indigenous folk materials and styles specific to a composer’s home country.

Ethnicism

The borrowing of materials from various European art-music traditions.

Béla Bartók

Hungarian composer (1881-1945), pianist, teacher, and ethnomusicologist noted for blending modern techniques with folk elements; major works include the Piano Sonata, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and Cantata Profana.

Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Bartók’s 1936 masterpiece that combines modern harmony with Eastern European folk rhythms and unique orchestration.

Cantata Profana

Bartók’s large-scale choral work rooted in folk legend and modal harmony.

Neoclassicism

A 20th-century style that draws inspiration from 18th-century forms and textures while adding modern harmonies and rhythms.

Contrapuntal Technique

The interweaving of independent melodic lines; re-emerged prominently in neoclassical compositions.

Seven-Tone Diatonic Scale

The standard major/minor scale system frequently retained in neoclassical music.

Tonal Harmony with Slight Dissonance

Neoclassical hallmark in which traditional tonal centers are preserved but enriched by mild, controlled clashes.

Intricate Rhythmic Patterns

Complex yet engaging rhythmic designs characteristic of neoclassical works.

Sergei Prokofiev

Russian composer, pianist, and conductor (1891-1953); noted for ballets such as Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet that blend classical form with modern harmonies.

Francis Poulenc

French composer (1899-1963), member of Les Six, celebrated for elegant melodies and works for piano, voice, and chamber ensembles.

Les Six

A group of early-20th-century French composers, including Poulenc, dedicated to fresh, straightforward musical expression.

Primitivism ("PremiTEOism")

A 20th-century musical trend that fuses two simple ideas to create a new, raw sound, often favoring clear, well-defined elements.

Exoticism

The practice of incorporating musical materials from cultures outside the composer’s own tradition.

Nationalism (in music)

The use of indigenous folk materials and styles specific to a composer’s home country.

Ethnicism

The borrowing of materials from various European art-music traditions.

Béla Bartók

Hungarian composer (1881-1945), pianist, teacher, and ethnomusicologist noted for blending modern techniques with folk elements; major works include the Piano Sonata, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and Cantata Profana.

Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Bartók’s 1936 masterpiece that combines modern harmony with Eastern European folk rhythms and unique orchestration.

Cantata Profana

Bartók’s large-scale choral work rooted in folk legend and modal harmony.

Neoclassicism

A 20th-century style that draws inspiration from 18th-century forms and textures while adding modern harmonies and rhythms.

Contrapuntal Technique

The interweaving of independent melodic lines; re-emerged prominently in neoclassical compositions.

Seven-Tone Diatonic Scale

The standard major/minor scale system frequently retained in neoclassical music.

Tonal Harmony with Slight Dissonance

Neoclassical hallmark in which traditional tonal centers are preserved but enriched by mild, controlled clashes.

Intricate Rhythmic Patterns

Complex yet engaging rhythmic designs characteristic of neoclassical works.

Sergei Prokofiev

Russian composer, pianist, and conductor (1891-1953); noted for ballets such as Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet that blend classical form with modern harmonies.

Francis Poulenc

French composer (1899-1963), member of Les Six, celebrated for elegant melodies and works for piano, voice, and chamber ensembles.

Les Six

A group of early-20th-century French composers, including Poulenc, dedicated to fresh, straightforward musical expression.

Which composer is strongly associated with Primitivism, particularly through his ballet The Rite of Spring?

Igor Stravinsky.

What are some primary characteristics often found in Primitivist music?

Clear, well-defined elements; strong, often percussive rhythms; bitonality or polytonality; folk or ancient influences.

What musical elements are emphasized in Primitivism?

Rhythmic vitality, percussive sounds, motoric rhythms, and often harsh dissonances.

What is a foundational work of musical Primitivism?

The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du printemps) by Igor Stravinsky.

How does Primitivism relate

It often draws inspiration from early or non-Western cultures, focusing on elemental sounds rather than complex melodies or harmonies.