Explain What Schoenberg Meant When He Spoke of "The Emancipation

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Arnold Schoenberg, a pioneering composer of the 20th century, spoke of "the emancipation of dissonance" as a key concept in his development of atonal and twelve-tone music. In traditional tonal music, dissonance was often resolved to consonance, creating a sense of tension and release. However, Schoenberg sought to liberate dissonance from this traditional framework, allowing it to exist on its own terms without the need for resolution.

By emancipating dissonance, Schoenberg opened up new possibilities for musical expression, challenging the established rules of harmony and paving the way for a more complex and diverse musical language. This approach allowed for greater freedom in the use of dissonant chords and intervals, leading to a more expansive and innovative musical landscape.

Schoenberg's concept of the emancipation of dissonance had a profound impact on the development of modern music, influencing composers such as Alban Berg, Anton Webern, and later generations of avant-garde and experimental musicians. It represented a radical departure from traditional tonal practices and sparked a revolution in the way composers approached harmony, ultimately shaping the course of 20th-century music.

Explain What Schoenberg Meant When He Spoke of "The Emancipation

Definitions: