dodecaphonism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHighly Technical
Quick answer
What does “dodecaphonism” mean?
A system of musical composition using all twelve chromatic notes of the octave equally, avoiding a tonal centre.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of musical composition using all twelve chromatic notes of the octave equally, avoiding a tonal centre.
The theory, practice, or aesthetic of twelve-tone serialism as pioneered by Arnold Schoenberg and his followers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used by musicologists and theorists in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes high-modernist, avant-garde, and intellectually rigorous composition. May carry a slightly academic or historical flavour.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dodecaphonism” in a Sentence
The composer's [noun] is based on dodecaphonism.He experimented with dodecaphonism in his [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dodecaphonism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. One might say 'to compose dodecaphonically'.]
American English
- [No standard verb form. One might say 'to apply dodecaphonism'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb. 'Dodecaphonically' is theoretically possible but very rare.]
American English
- [No standard adverb. 'Dodecaphonically' is theoretically possible but very rare.]
adjective
British English
- The dodecaphonic row forms the basis of the entire work.
American English
- His dodecaphonic period yielded his most challenging pieces.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in music history, theory, and analysis papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context, in musicology and composition treatises.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dodecaphonism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dodecaphonism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dodecaphonism”
- Misspelling as 'dodecaphonicism' (though 'dodecaphonic' is the related adjective).
- Confusing it with general atonality (all dodecaphonic music is atonal, but not all atonal music is dodecaphonic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. All dodecaphonic music is atonal (lacks a key centre), but not all atonal music uses the strict twelve-tone system of dodecaphonism.
It's very challenging because the system avoids familiar melodic patterns and tonal centres, making melodies sound deliberately disjunct and unfamiliar to most listeners.
Its peak was in the mid-20th century. While some composers still use or reference the technique, it is no longer a dominant force in contemporary composition.
It is the specific, ordered arrangement of all twelve chromatic notes that serves as the foundational material for an entire composition, subjected to techniques like inversion and retrograde.
A system of musical composition using all twelve chromatic notes of the octave equally, avoiding a tonal centre.
Dodecaphonism is usually highly technical in register.
Dodecaphonism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdəʊdɛkəˈfəʊnɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdoʊdɛkəˈfoʊnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DOzen (12) DECA (ten) + PHONE (sound) + ISM (system) = a system of twelve sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
MUSICAL COMPOSITION IS A MATHEMATICAL/LOGICAL SYSTEM.
Practice
Quiz
Dodecaphonism is most closely associated with which composer?