12 Tone Row: A Comprehensive Guide

The 12 tone row, also known as the twelve-tone technique or serialism, is a method of composition that was developed in the early 20th century. It is a system that allows composers to create music that is both structurally rigorous and harmonically rich. In this article, we will delve into the history, principles, and applications of the 12 tone row, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating musical concept.

History of the 12 Tone Row

The 12 tone row was first introduced by Arnold Schoenberg in his work “Versuch eines neuen Musikalischen Verfahrens” (Attempt at a New Musical Technique), published in 1923. Schoenberg, an Austrian composer and music theorist, sought to create a new system of composition that would free music from the constraints of traditional tonality. The 12 tone row was his answer to this challenge.

Before the 12 tone row, music was typically based on a system of scales that contained seven distinct pitches, each with a unique tone color. Schoenberg’s 12 tone row, on the other hand, uses a series of twelve different pitches, each used only once in a particular sequence. This system ensures that all twelve pitches are treated equally, eliminating the dominance of any single pitch or key.

Principles of the 12 Tone Row

The 12 tone row is constructed using a series of twelve distinct pitches, which are arranged in a specific order. This order can be presented in various forms, such as a series, a retrograde, an inversion, or a retrograde inversion. The most common form is the series, which is a linear arrangement of the twelve pitches.

One of the key principles of the 12 tone row is the idea of “transposition,” which allows composers to move the entire series up or down by a certain number of semitones without changing its structure. This principle ensures that the 12 tone row can be used in various keys and modes, providing composers with a wide range of harmonic possibilities.

Another important principle is the concept of “retrograde,” which involves reversing the order of the series. For example, if the original series is A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E, the retrograde would be E-D-C-B-A-F-G-E-D-C-B-A. This principle allows composers to create new sequences by manipulating the original series in various ways.

Applications of the 12 Tone Row

The 12 tone row has been used by many composers throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, including Schoenberg himself, Alban Berg, Anton Webern, and B茅la Bart贸k. Here are some notable examples of how the 12 tone row has been applied in various compositions:

Composer	Composition	Description
Arnold Schoenberg	Verkl盲rte Nacht	A symphonic poem that uses the 12 tone row to create a harmonically rich and emotionally expressive work.
Alban Berg	Lulu	An opera that incorporates the 12 tone row into its musical structure, creating a complex and innovative score.
Anton Webern	Five Pieces for Orchestra	A series of orchestral works that showcase the 12 tone row’s ability to create concise and powerful musical statements.
B茅la Bart贸k	String Quartet No. 4	A quartet that uses the 12 tone row to explore the relationship between traditional folk music and modern composition.

These examples demonstrate the versatility and expressive power of the 12 tone row, as it can be used to create a wide range of musical styles and emotions.

Challenges and Controversies

While the 12 tone row has been embraced by many composers, it has also faced criticism and controversy. Some argue that the system is overly complex and restrictive, limiting the creative freedom of composers. Others believe that the 12 tone row is a valuable tool that can lead to innovative and groundbreaking music.

One of the main challenges of working with the 12 tone row is the need for precise