20th and 21st century compositional devices

Question 1

atonality

Answer 1

no specific key, tonality, or mode used

Question 2

bitonality

Answer 2

the combination of two keys at the same time

Question 3

melodic inversion

Answer 3

the process of turning each interval of a melody upside down

Question 4

polytonality

Answer 4

the combination of two or more keys at one time

Question 5

quartal harmony

Answer 5

harmony based on 4ths rather than on 3rds

Question 6

retrograde

Answer 6

the reversal of a melody, as if reading from right to left

Question 7

retrograde inversion

Answer 7

the reversal of a melody as if reading from right to left combined with the inversion of each interval

Question 8

serialism

Answer 8

a series of notes or rhythmic patterns which is used as the basis of a composition
a series may be created using other musical elements, such as rhythm, dynamics, harmony, etc.

Question 9

twelve tone row

Answer 9

a melody or series used in serial music in which all twelve notes are used
the intervals of the row are the basis for the rest of the composition