SERIALISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Serialists, often referred to as serial composers or proponents of serialism, are individuals who belong to a movement in contemporary music known as serialism. Serialism is a compositional technique and approach to music that emerged in the 20th century and gained popularity in the mid-20th century.
Serialists adhere to the principles of serialism, which involve organizing musical elements such as pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and timbres into series or rows. These series determine the order and structure of the music, creating a sense of coherence and unity within a composition. Pitches are especially important in serialism, as they are often organized into a twelve-tone row, utilizing all twelve notes of the chromatic scale before repetition.
Serialists aim to break away from traditional tonal and harmonic systems, seeking new ways to organize and manipulate musical materials. They believe in the systematic and methodical construction of music, often using mathematical concepts to shape and guide their compositions. The resulting works can be highly complex and intellectually challenging, as serial composers explore unconventional harmonies, rhythms, and forms.
Many prominent composers, including Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg, were early serialists. Their works and ideas inspired subsequent generations of composers to experiment with serialism. The movement has had a profound influence on the development of contemporary classical and experimental music, leading to further exploration and expansion of artistic boundaries.
Common Misspellings for SERIALISTS
Etymology of SERIALISTS
The word "serialists" is derived from the noun "serial", which in turn originates from the Latin word "series", meaning "row" or "succession". In English, the term "serial" has been used since the 19th century to refer to things arranged in a sequence or a series, such as a serial publication or a serialized story. "Serialists" is the plural form of "serialist" and is used to describe individuals who adhere to or practice serialism.
In music, specifically, "serialists" refers to composers who follow the principles of serialism, a compositional technique that emerged in the early 20th century. Serialism places emphasis on the organization and manipulation of pitch and other musical elements within a strict, predetermined series or order. The term "serialist" to describe adherents of this compositional style has been known since the mid-20th century.
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