(MRCP) 20th Century Period Music Lesson
20th Century Period Music Lesson
20th-century music is defined by the sudden emergence of advanced technology for recording and distributing music as well as dramatic innovations in musical forms and styles. Because music was no longer limited to concerts, opera-houses, clubs, and domestic music-making, it became possible for music artists to quickly gain global recognition and influence.
Twentieth-century music brought new freedom and wide experimentation with new musical styles and forms that challenged the accepted rules of music of earlier periods. Faster modes of transportation allowed musicians and fans to travel more widely to perform or listen. Amplification permitted giant concerts to be heard by those with the least expensive tickets, and the inexpensive reproduction and transmission or broadcast of music gave rich and poor alike nearly equal access to high-quality music performances.
Many genres of classical and popular music are evident in the 20th century. Here is a list of those main genres and the composers associated with each:
Be sure to view the video presentation below before moving forward in the module.
Research the following on your own to hear the music and learn about the composers. Then take the quiz below.
- Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
- The Rite of Spring
- Pierrot Iunaire
- Symphony No. 5 in D Minor
- Rhapsody in Blue
- Appalachian Spring
- Poeme electronique (Electric Poem)
Quiz
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