Modern Music

In your blog post on "the shadow lurking behind every genius," I delved into the influences behind great composers' output, but you might have omitted a few noteworthy figures. While Arnold Schoenberg is widely recognized as the inventor of the series system in the early 1920s, it's essential to question whether he was truly the only one to devise chromatic methodology. Have you ever heard of Josef Hauer? Interestingly, Josef Hauer was a composer who also explored the concept of twelve-tone composition around the same time as Schoenberg. In fact, the last movement of Arnold Schönberg's Fünf Klavierstücke, Opus 23 (1923) marked the first instance of his 'Method of Composing with Twelve Tones which are related only with one another.' This method, known as serialism or dodecaphonic music, is significantly different from previous compositions because it exclusively employs a set of twelve different tones, avoiding repetition within the series and encompassing ...

Title: Unraveling Time Travel: Possibilities, Challenges, and the Path Forward The notion of a time machine may seem like an implausible sci-fi concept, but according to Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, real-life time travel holds more substance than we might imagine. While traveling forward in time is theoretically possible, journeying to the past remains a more enigmatic endeavor. Astrophysicist Eric W. Davis explores the potential of wormholes as conduits for time travel, a fascinating prospect yet beset with complexities. The challenge lies in reconciling general relativity and quantum theory to develop a quantum theory of gravity, a crucial step towards unveiling the secrets of time travel. Delve into the tantalising possibilities, intriguing challenges, and the road ahead in our quest to comprehend the mysteries of time. Wormhole Is Best Bet for Time Machine, Astrophysicist Says

Recent incidents involving activists throwing orange powder paint during the World Snooker Championship, desecrating a Van Gogh painting with a can of soup, and interrupting a Proms concert, have stirred discussions about the role of political protests in the realm of art. It leaves one pondering whether these actions can truly bring about the desired change or if they merely create disruptions without yielding meaningful results. Moreover, these incidents prompt us to consider the importance of peaceful protest as the cornerstone of a strong democracy, where tolerance for diverse views is crucial. As the highly anticipated "Dear Earth Celebration with Grounded Ecotherapy" approaches, questions arise about how protestors might respond to this unique event. Would they boycott it, stage protests, or explore alternative forms of dissent? Art, known for its innate protest spirit against the mundane, carries the power to disrupt the commonplace and challenge societal norms. With ...

Since the dawn of the twentieth century, there has been a prevailing belief that mass audiences are being driven away from what is often referred to as "modern music." But is there any truth to this notion? While it is undeniable that there is an inherent irony in music that challenges listeners, have audiences truly grown accustomed to music that is radically different? Furthermore, why does dissonant music struggle to gain traction and recognition, while the classics of the Romantic period continue to capture hearts? In this blog post, we delve into the complexities surrounding dissonance and its impact on modern music's reception by audiences. The Challenge of Dissonance: You cannot deny that there exists a certain irony in music that dares to challenge conventional expectations. Audiences have become accustomed to a wide range of musical styles, often embracing the idea that "anything goes" in the realm of music. However, it is important to note that the mo...

Have you ever noticed the intriguing resemblance between Toru Takemitsu's "Rain Spell" and Pierre Boulez's "Derive"? It's quite astonishing to think that Boulez composed his work merely a year after Takemitsu's piece premiered in Japan. Could it be possible that Boulez had heard Takemitsu's work before creating "Derive"? We may never have concrete answers. Yet, it is not uncommon for two individuals to independently explore similar ideas without knowledge of each other's endeavors. The most striking connection lies in the instrumentation of Takemitsu's "Rain Spell": Flute, Clarinet, Harp, Piano, and Vibraphone. Boulez's "Derive" follows a similar path with flute, clarinet in A, vibraphone, piano, violin, and cello. The notable difference lies in the addition of violin and cello, perhaps to achieve a balanced string timbre. While the harp serves as an intermediary instrument in Takemitsu's work, the pi...