Seminar: Introduction to Serialism

Abstract • Preparation • Listening • Bibliography • Main Text

We shall be considering the following questions and ideas:

• What is serialism?
• The origins of serialism
• The Second Viennese School
• Stravinsky: Non-chromatic Serialism
• After the Second World War

Preparation

Read through the following books, and listen to a variety of music. Especially important are...

Listening List

• Schoenberg - Chamber Symphony, Pierrot Lunaire, Three Piano Pieces Op21
• Berg - Violin Concerto
• Webern - Concerto, Piano Variations, Symphony
• Stravinsky - Cantata, In Memoriam Dylan Thomas, Agon, Canticum Sacrum
• Boulez - Le Marteau Sans Maitre
• Stockhausen - Mantra

Bibliography

• Arnold Whittall - Music Since the First World War
• Smith Brindle - Modern Music

Main Text

Main text (not usually available until after the lecture).