Developing a serialist composition
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop a serialist composition by using typical techniques including retrograding.
Key learning points
- Serialist composers use tone rows in many different ways.
- This includes varying the timbre, instrument, rhythm, dynamics, octave and articulation.
- As long as the order of the pitches doesn’t change, this is considered ‘within the rules’ of serialism.
- Another method is to create and use a retrograde of the tone row.
- This is when the order of pitches is carefully reversed, creating a ‘mirror image’ of the tone row.
Keywords
Serialism - an atonal composition method based on a specific order of pitches (a tone row)
Tone row - a specific order of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale, forming the basis of a piece of serialism
Retrograde - when a set of notes (like a tone row) is reversed
Common misconception
Retrograding breaks the rules of serialism because it changes the order of the notes.
Serialist composers don't consider retrograding breaking the rules. It does change the order, but the new order is still closely linked to the original tone row (by being reversed). It is therefore an acceptable and musically interesting technique.
Teacher tip
Pupils may find this approach to composition intimidating, as the music will sound unusual to many. Encourage them to embrace the unusual soundworld of atonality and try to create music that sounds interesting and unique (not necessarily 'pleasant') to their ears.
Equipment
Notation software or DAW
File needed for this lesson
Serialism template 2 KB (MXL)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
