Dodecaphony meaning

Dodecaphony is a musical technique that uses all twelve notes in the chromatic scale equally.


Dodecaphony definitions

Word backwards ynohpacedod
Part of speech The word "dodecaphony" is a noun.
Syllabic division do-de-ca-phy-ny
Plural The plural of dodecaphony is dodecaphonies.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) o,e,a
Consonants (6) d,c,p,h,n,y

Dodecaphony: Exploring Twelve-Tone Music

Dodecaphony, also known as twelve-tone music, is a method of musical composition developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century. This revolutionary technique aimed to move away from traditional tonal harmony and explore a more dissonant, atonal sound.

Serialism and the Twelve-Tone Row

At the core of dodecaphony is the twelve-tone row, a specific ordering of all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale. This row, once established by the composer, serves as the basis for the entire composition. Each pitch must be played before any can be repeated, creating a sense of equality among all twelve notes.

Composition and Variation

Composers using dodecaphony must manipulate the twelve-tone row to create themes, motifs, and variations throughout the piece. By using different permutations, inversions, and retrogrades of the row, they can generate a wealth of musical material while maintaining the integrity of the original sequence.

Impact and Legacy

The advent of dodecaphony had a profound impact on the course of 20th-century music. It paved the way for the development of serialism, a broader compositional technique that extended beyond the twelve-tone system. Schoenberg's disciples, including Alban Berg and Anton Webern, further explored and expanded upon these ideas in their own compositions.

Complexity and innovation are hallmarks of dodecaphony, pushing the boundaries of traditional tonality and challenging listeners to engage with music in new ways. This method continues to influence contemporary composers and remains a significant part of the modern classical music landscape.


Dodecaphony Examples

  1. The composer used dodecaphony to create a unique twelve-tone piece of music.
  2. Students in the music theory class studied the concept of dodecaphony in depth.
  3. The avant-garde composer is known for experimenting with dodecaphony in his compositions.
  4. Dodecaphony is a technique that involves using all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order.
  5. The pianist performed a challenging piece that was based on dodecaphony.
  6. Some music critics praise the use of dodecaphony for its innovative approach to composition.
  7. The composition featured intricate passages that showcased the composer's mastery of dodecaphony.
  8. The musicologist wrote a scholarly article on the history of dodecaphony in modern music.
  9. Dodecaphony can be a divisive topic among musicians, with some embracing it and others rejecting it.
  10. The composer's latest work incorporates elements of dodecaphony alongside more traditional harmonies.


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  • Updated 10/07/2024 - 10:13:25