Consider the following examples of Modern musical styles presented in this unit: Impressionism, 12-tone music, and jazz. Listen to each of the samples again. Then, write a discussion post that contains at least three sentences. State your opinion about each of the musical styles and note the features that stand out. Include details about musical elements like rhythm, type of scale, tempo, and dynamics. Share which musical style you like best. Comment on at least two other posts.
In my opinion, Impressionism is a beautiful musical style. The sample that we listened to had a dreamy and ethereal quality to it. The use of impressionistic scales and harmonies created a sense of ambiguity and fluidity in the music. The tempo seemed to be quite relaxed and the dynamics were mostly soft which added to the overall delicate and atmospheric nature of the piece. I particularly enjoyed the painterly quality of Impressionism and how it evokes different moods and emotions through its focus on timbre and color.
12-tone music, on the other hand, is a style that I find a bit challenging to appreciate. The sample we listened to was quite dissonant and lacked a clear tonal center. The use of the 12-tone technique, where all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale are given equal importance, made the piece feel quite chaotic and unpredictable. The tempo was quite fast and the dynamics varied greatly which added to the overall intensity of the music. While I can appreciate the intellectual complexity of 12-tone music, it personally doesn't resonate with me as much as other styles.
Finally, jazz is a genre that I absolutely love. The sample we listened to had a swinging rhythm and the improvisational nature of jazz was evident throughout the piece. The syncopated rhythms and the use of the blues scale added a sense of groove and soulfulness to the music. The tempo was upbeat and the dynamics were dynamic, ranging from soft and mellow to loud and energetic. I particularly enjoy the freedom and expression that jazz provides to the musicians, allowing them to create and interact in the moment.
Overall, while I appreciate the unique qualities of each musical style, my personal preference lies with jazz. I love the energy, improvisation, and the rich heritage of this genre. It never fails to make me tap my foot and put a smile on my face.