Ch 19: Modern Music
About This Chapter
Modern Music - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
In the modern period, composers experiment and explore various new concepts and use new forms of musical instruments. Modern music takes things from the past and mixes it with new ideas. This leads to a distinct sound and style. In this chapter, our instructors will teach you about the transition from the late-romantic period and the new genres that emerged during this modern era. You'll get to study things like:
- Symphonies, impressionism and folk songs
- The influence of jazz on modern music
- How musicals evolved over time in storytelling and compositions
Video | Objective |
---|---|
Mahler, Debussy & Bartok: Transition from Late-Romantic to Modern | Take a look at symphonies, impressionism and folk songs. |
Gershwin & Bernstein: Jazz Influence, Operas & Musicals | Study the influence of jazz, operas and musicals. |
Stavinsky & Copland: Baller Contributions and Styles | See the contributions made by Stavinsky and Copland. |
Rodgers and Hammerstein: Musicals, Songs and Plots | Learn about how two people transformed and redefined Broadway musicals. |
Jazz Masters: Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter & More | Explore how these three key musicians inspired other artists and how they continue to shape the genre of jazz music to this day. |

1. Mahler, Debussy & Bartok: Transition from Late-Romantic to Modern
In the transition from Late-Romantic to Modern music, three composers reigned supreme: Mahler, Debussy, and Bartok. Explore turn-of-the-century music and meet the composers who led the charge into Modernism.

2. Gershwin & Bernstein: Jazz Influence, Operas & Musicals
George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein combined jazz with classical music, bringing the jazz medium to musical theater audiences. Learn about the lives of Gershwin and Bernstein, and explore the jazz influence in their operas and musicals.

3. Stravinsky & Copland: Ballet Contributions and Styles
Stravinsky and Copland were ballet composers of the 20th century that experimented with different styles of music based on their cultures. Learn about the ballet contributions and styles of Igor Stravinsky of Russia and Aaron Copeland of America.

4. Rodgers and Hammerstein: Musicals, Songs and Plots
Rodgers and Hammerstein are considered by many to be creative legends in the world of American Broadway musicals of the mid-20th century. Investigate the plots and beloved songs of three of their most famous musicals: 'Oklahoma', 'The King and I', and 'The Sound of Music', and learn their formula which helped propel Rodgers and Hammerstein to change the world of musical theater forever.

5. Jazz Masters: Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter & More
Jazz helped define the country's culture and is one of the most American art forms. Discover jazz masters Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Cole Porter, and learn how they made an impact on the music of the twentieth century.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Humanities 101: Intro to the Humanities course
- Literary Analysis and Movements
- Humanities in the Ancient World
- Oral Tradition
- Humanities in Rome and Late Antiquity (250 CE-550 CE)
- Literature of the Middle Ages
- The Medieval Period in Music
- Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages
- Literature of the Renaissance
- Renaissance Music
- Art & Architecture of the Renaissance & Reformation
- Literature of the Enlightenment
- The Baroque Era in Music
- The Classical Era in Music
- The Romantic Period in Literature
- The Romantic Era in Music
- Literature of the Victorian Era
- Modern Thought and Expression (1800-Present)
- Literary Modernism in the 19th & 20th Centuries
- World Music
- Prominent American Novelists
- Studying for Humanities 101