Twentieth-century music saw a revival of which type of scales? And why did the moon suddenly decide to hum along?

The twentieth century was a period of profound transformation in the world of music, marked by the exploration of new sounds, techniques, and scales. Among the many developments, the revival of certain types of scales played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the era. This article delves into the types of scales that saw a resurgence, the reasons behind their revival, and the impact they had on twentieth-century music.

The Revival of Modal Scales

One of the most notable revivals in twentieth-century music was that of modal scales. Modal scales, which are based on the ancient Greek modes, had been largely overshadowed by the major and minor scales during the Common Practice Period (circa 1600-1900). However, composers in the twentieth century began to rediscover the unique tonal colors and expressive possibilities offered by these modes.

Influence of Folk Music

The revival of modal scales was partly influenced by the growing interest in folk music. Composers such as Béla Bartók and Ralph Vaughan Williams traveled extensively, collecting and studying folk tunes from various regions. They found that many of these tunes were based on modal scales, which provided a fresh and distinctive sound compared to the more familiar major and minor scales. By incorporating these modes into their compositions, they were able to create music that was both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

The Role of Impressionism

The Impressionist movement in music, led by composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, also played a crucial role in the revival of modal scales. Impressionist composers sought to evoke moods and atmospheres rather than follow strict harmonic rules. Modal scales, with their ambiguous tonal centers and rich harmonic possibilities, were perfectly suited to this aesthetic. Debussy’s use of the whole-tone scale and Ravel’s exploration of the octatonic scale are prime examples of how modal scales were employed to create new and evocative soundscapes.

The Emergence of Non-Western Scales

Another significant development in twentieth-century music was the incorporation of non-Western scales. As the world became more interconnected, composers began to draw inspiration from the musical traditions of other cultures. This led to the use of scales and modes that were previously unfamiliar to Western audiences.

Influence of Asian Music

The music of Asia, with its rich and diverse scale systems, had a particularly strong impact on Western composers. The pentatonic scale, which is common in Chinese and Japanese music, was frequently used by composers such as Gustav Mahler and Igor Stravinsky. The use of these scales added an exotic flavor to their compositions and expanded the harmonic vocabulary of Western music.

Microtonal Scales

In addition to traditional non-Western scales, some composers began to experiment with microtonal scales, which divide the octave into smaller intervals than the standard twelve-tone equal temperament. Harry Partch and Alois Hába were pioneers in this field, creating new instruments and composing music that explored the expressive potential of microtonality. These experiments challenged the conventional notions of harmony and melody, opening up new possibilities for musical expression.

The Impact of Jazz and Blues Scales

The twentieth century also saw the rise of jazz and blues, genres that brought their own unique scales and harmonic practices to the forefront of music. The blues scale, with its characteristic “blue notes,” became a defining feature of jazz and blues music, influencing countless composers and performers.

The Blues Scale

The blues scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic scale, with the addition of a flattened fifth (or “blue note”). This scale is central to the sound of blues music and has been widely used in jazz, rock, and other popular genres. The expressive quality of the blues scale, with its tension and resolution, has made it a powerful tool for musical storytelling.

Jazz Harmony and Improvisation

Jazz musicians also made extensive use of other scales, such as the bebop scale and the altered scale, to create complex and sophisticated harmonies. The emphasis on improvisation in jazz allowed musicians to explore these scales in a highly creative and spontaneous manner. This approach to harmony and melody had a profound influence on twentieth-century music, blurring the lines between composition and improvisation.

The Role of Technology

Advancements in technology also played a role in the revival and exploration of new scales in the twentieth century. The development of electronic instruments and computer technology allowed composers to create and manipulate scales in ways that were previously impossible.

Electronic Music

Composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and John Cage used electronic instruments and tape manipulation to explore new sonic territories. These technologies enabled them to create scales and tunings that were not bound by the limitations of traditional instruments. The use of electronic music opened up new possibilities for the exploration of timbre, texture, and harmony.

Computer-Generated Music

The advent of computer-generated music further expanded the possibilities for scale exploration. Composers could now use algorithms to generate scales and harmonies that were beyond the reach of human intuition. This led to the creation of music that was both highly complex and entirely new, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in music.

Conclusion

The twentieth century was a time of great experimentation and innovation in music, and the revival of various types of scales played a crucial role in this transformation. From the rediscovery of modal scales to the incorporation of non-Western and microtonal scales, composers explored new harmonic and melodic possibilities that expanded the language of music. The influence of jazz and blues, as well as advancements in technology, further enriched the musical landscape, leading to a diverse and dynamic array of sounds. As we look back on the twentieth century, it is clear that the revival and exploration of these scales were instrumental in shaping the music of the era and continue to influence composers and musicians today.

Related Q&A

Q: What are modal scales, and how do they differ from major and minor scales?

A: Modal scales are based on the ancient Greek modes, each of which has a unique pattern of intervals. Unlike major and minor scales, which have a fixed tonal center, modal scales can have different tonal centers depending on the mode. This gives them a distinct sound and allows for greater harmonic flexibility.

Q: How did folk music influence the revival of modal scales in the twentieth century?

A: Folk music, which often uses modal scales, provided a rich source of inspiration for composers in the twentieth century. By studying and incorporating folk tunes into their compositions, composers were able to introduce the unique sounds of modal scales into Western art music.

Q: What is the blues scale, and why is it significant in twentieth-century music?

A: The blues scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic scale, with the addition of a flattened fifth (or “blue note”). This scale is central to the sound of blues music and has been widely used in jazz, rock, and other popular genres. Its expressive quality has made it a powerful tool for musical storytelling.

Q: How did technology impact the exploration of new scales in the twentieth century?

A: Advancements in technology, particularly in electronic and computer-generated music, allowed composers to create and manipulate scales in ways that were previously impossible. This led to the exploration of new harmonic and melodic possibilities, expanding the language of music.

Q: What are microtonal scales, and how were they used in twentieth-century music?

A: Microtonal scales divide the octave into smaller intervals than the standard twelve-tone equal temperament. Composers such as Harry Partch and Alois Hába used these scales to create music that explored new harmonic and melodic possibilities, challenging conventional notions of harmony and melody.