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20th Century

ImpressionismNeo-classicalSerial musicRomanticisiism
Claude DebussyBela Bartok

Anton Webern

Serge Rachmaninov
DebussyBartokAnton WebernRachmaninov
Painting by Monet

General Information

Along with all the developments in popular music of 'Jazz' and all its styles, 'Folk music' and 'Rock and Pop', the more formal styles of music of the 20th century became a period of ‘isms’ and ‘alities’. There is a long list! 

  • nationalism

  • impressionism

  • expressionism

  • pointillism

  • serialism

  • neo-classicism

  • minimalism

  • polytonality

  • atonality

  • microtonality

to mention only some. All kinds of musical works were written in many but not necessarily all of these styles with a great deal of cross influence and fusion of genres.    

To try to follow some of this development follow the links in the Navigation bar or choose a link below to access the page of your choice.

Chamber music - Listen to examples of string, wind and piano music
Choral music - Choral music in the 20th century
Concerto - Learn about concertos in the 20th century
Opera - Discover opera in the 20th century with Puccini
Solo song - Strophic and Sprechgesang

Symphony - Neo-classicism, impressionism and nationalism

20th Century Quiz - Test your knowledge and understanding of the music of this period.

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Updated on: 19 March 2008 The LTS Online Service is funded by the Scottish Government.