Modernism and the Break from Tradition
Music · JC 2 · Western Art Music in Historical Context · 2.º Período

Modernism and the Break from Tradition

Examine the radical shifts in musical language during the early 20th century, including atonality and primitivism. This topic connects musical innovation to the anxieties of the World War eras.

MOE Syllabus OutcomesSEAB H1 Music LO1: Identify and describe musical elements and their functionsSEAB H1 Music LO4: Articulate informed responses to music from local and global cultures

About This Topic

Examine the radical shifts in musical language during the early 20th century, including atonality and primitivism. This topic connects musical innovation to the anxieties of the World War eras.

Key Questions

  1. What historical events catalyzed the shift towards musical Modernism?
  2. How did audiences initially react to works like 'The Rite of Spring'?
  3. In what ways does atonal music reflect the psychological landscape of the early 20th century?

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