The term signifies a period of radical change in musical aesthetics and language, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Composers during this era sought to break away from the established conventions of tonality, form, and instrumentation that characterized the preceding Romantic period. This departure often involved experimentation with atonality, dissonance, new rhythmic complexities, and unconventional timbres. Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, with its jarring rhythms and dissonant harmonies, serves as a prominent example of this revolutionary approach.
This shift in musical thought was spurred by various factors, including advancements in technology, changes in philosophical and artistic perspectives, and a general desire to reflect the rapidly evolving modern world. Its influence has been profound, impacting subsequent generations of composers and shaping the trajectory of 20th-century music. It laid the groundwork for exploring new sonic landscapes and expressive possibilities, paving the way for a diverse array of compositional styles and techniques.
