an atonal composition method based on a specific order of pitches (a tone row)

a specific order of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale, forming the basis of a piece of serialism

when a set of notes (like a tone row) is reversed

Tone row example: long, equal-length notes

British English CC

Tone row example: much faster notes

Tone row example: erratic, ‘jumpy’ rhythm

The A played an octave lower

The whole tone row played an octave lower

Using dynamics and articulation to create variety

Recording your tone row in with a simple rhythm: video

Recording second part: video

Task A feedback audio

Create a second section

Use a retrograde of your tone row in the third instrument

Developing a serialist composition

Music

Composing for voices

Using the voice creatively

Using samples

Developing a sample-based composition

Creating a tone row

In this unit pupils are introduced to contemporary compositional approaches and techniques. They learn about a range of current contemporary music and the differences in approach of how this is structured and put together from earlier classical style music and current popular music.

Approaches to contemporary composition

What is the name of a specific order of the 12 notes used in serialism?

each of the 12 chromatic notes must be used

notes should be played legato and staccato

Which two are correct ‘rules’ for a tone row?

Which of these was a famous serialist composer?

{{}} is a technique in which the order of pitches is carefully reversed, creating a ‘mirror image’ of the tone row.

If music has no key or tonic note, it is described as what?

Each piece of serialism is based on a sequence of notes called a tone {{}}

It doesn't include every note of the chromatic scale.

What is wrong with this tone row? (Select two answers)

Developing a serialist composition

Lesson outcome