The Contemporary Period for Classical Music covers all music composed after the Romantic Period up to current day. There are wide varieties of the type of music covered by this period.
Listen to this excerpt from Peter and the Wolf. Notice Listen to this example of a Mahler symphony. Notice the
how Prokofiev uses different instruments to represent rich use of dynamics (loud soft) and tempo (speed of the
different characters. beat. Lots and lots of instruments are used.
how Prokofiev uses different instruments to represent rich use of dynamics (loud soft) and tempo (speed of the
different characters. beat. Lots and lots of instruments are used.
The Rite of Spring is a famous ballet (music and dance) by Igor Stravinsky. He has a unique style that was so shocking at the time, people threw tomatoes a the stage to protest!
Don't try this in your music classroom!
Don't try this in your music classroom!
During the 20th Century, American Composers have made a huge impact. Americans have created many new styles of music. Each of the composers below have influenced a new genre of music: popular, marches, musical theater.
Listen to this Famous Patriotic March by John Here is Blue Skies written by Irving Berlin
Phillip Sousa - The Stars and Stripes Forever. What style of music do you think it is written in?
Listen for the Brass part in the middle. This is You're right! Jazz!
known as the "dogfight?" Why do you think so?
Phillip Sousa - The Stars and Stripes Forever. What style of music do you think it is written in?
Listen for the Brass part in the middle. This is You're right! Jazz!
known as the "dogfight?" Why do you think so?
A Rebel with a Cause
John Cage. 4'33''
Other Modern Composers
Marques L.A. Garrett Composer, vocalist, and conductor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
Classical Music Continues to Evolve Today
John Williams may be the most recognized modern composer. He has composed much of the music for some of your favorite movies. This is a youth symphony orchestra performing the Star Wars opening theme. Who is the conductor? (A conductor is the person who directs and leads the orchestra. )
Can you identify some of the instruments played?
Can you identify some of the instruments played?
As you look at this website, composers are writing new music all over the world! Music can follow the patterns of the past, or innovate new ideas and push music composition in a new direction. One living composer whose music is frequently played in Cobb County is Mark Camphouse.
So many composers... so much to learn....
Click on the links below to learn more
Assignment Contemporary Music
Think about what is really unusual about contemporary music. Which pieces did you like? Which did you not like? If you were going to write a piece, what period of time or historical figure in American History would you consider as an inspiration? Write a journal entry in your steam journal with your response. Or submit a video on Flipgrid.