Twelve-tone row meaning

A twelve-tone row is a method of composition that uses all twelve pitches in an octave without preference to any single one.


Twelve-tone row definitions

Word backwards enot-evlewt wor
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "twelve-tone row" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division twelve-tone/ row
Plural The plural form of the word "twelve-tone row" is "twelve-tone rows."
Total letters 13
Vogais (2) e,o
Consonants (6) t,w,l,v,n,r

In music, a twelve-tone row is a specific ordering of the twelve pitches in the chromatic scale. This method was developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century as a way to create a new style of composition that moved away from traditional tonal relationships.

Serialism and Atonality

Twelve-tone row composition is closely associated with serialism and atonality, where traditional concepts of musical key are abandoned in favor of a new way of organizing pitch material. By using all twelve pitches in a strictly defined order, composers can create music that is free from the constraints of traditional harmony.

Structure and Technique

In a twelve-tone row, each of the twelve pitches must be used before any can be repeated. This creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the composition. Composers can also manipulate the row through techniques such as inversion, retrograde, and transposition to create variation and development in their music.

Expression and Creativity

While the twelve-tone row may seem rigid in its structure, it actually allows for a great deal of expression and creativity. Composers can use the row as a starting point for exploring new harmonies, melodies, and textures, leading to innovative and unique musical compositions.

Legacy and Impact

The development of the twelve-tone row had a profound impact on the course of 20th-century music. Many composers, such as Anton Webern, Alban Berg, and Milton Babbitt, embraced the technique and used it to push the boundaries of traditional music composition. The legacy of the twelve-tone row continues to influence contemporary composers to this day.


Twelve-tone row Examples

  1. John Cage is known for his use of the twelve-tone row in his compositions.
  2. The twelve-tone row in this piece creates a sense of dissonance and tension.
  3. Schoenberg developed the technique of the twelve-tone row in the early 20th century.
  4. The composer used a twelve-tone row to organize the notes in a systematic way.
  5. The twelve-tone row is a method of composing music that ensures all twelve notes are used before any is repeated.
  6. The composer constructed a twelve-tone row by arranging the twelve pitches in a specific order.
  7. Listeners may find the use of a twelve-tone row in a composition to be challenging at first.
  8. The twelve-tone row technique was a revolutionary development in the history of music theory.
  9. One of the defining features of a twelve-tone row is its lack of a tonic or key center.
  10. The composer used a twelve-tone row to create a sense of unity and coherence in the composition.


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  • Updated 17/06/2024 - 00:43:03