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G. Mahler
Gustav Mahler. Austrian Composer; some orchestral works can represent maximalism; large 10 programmatic symphonies, orchestral Lieder, conductor in Europe and the USA. Important to the expansion of symphonies and Lieder. -
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C. Debussy
Claude Debussy. French composer and pianist; inventor of musical impressionism; influential modern composers. -
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R. Strauss
Richard Strauss. Composer of tone poems and some of the first modern operas; accomplished conductor; works epitomize maximalism. Expanded on Wagner's use of chromaticism. -
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A. Schoenberg
Arnold Schoenberg. The "father of 12-tone music"; important as an innovator, teacher of Webern and Berg. -
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M. Ravel
Maurice Ravel. French composer; extremely versatile, innovator in pianistic style; expert orchestrator. Credited with writing the first Impressionist piano piece. -
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I. Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky. One of the most versatile and interesting composers of the 20th century; rhythmic style; harmonically interesting. -
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Impressionism
One of the first anti-Romantic styles. Disregarded chord progression rules, and was essentially tonal. C. Debussy was well known for this style. This style was influenced by Javanese Gamelan. -
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Maximalism
Musical style known for its extreme chromaticism, extreme sizes of performance groups, thick textures, and extreme use of themes and motives. G. Mahler and R. Strauss were important composers who utilized maximalism. -
Prelude to 'The Afternoon of a Faun'
A tone poem based on the symbolist Stephane Mallarme's poem. Premiered in Paris on this day. -
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Expressionism
Musical style that focused on freeing musical from tonality. It was famously atonal, and did not follow chord progression rules. A. Schoenberg utilized expressionism in some of his works. -
Invention of Headphones
Nathaniel Baldwin, an electrician, constructed "radio earphones" out of copper wiring and a headband. The Navy bought hundreds of sets, and Baldwin made them by hand in his kitchen. This invention influenced modern day headphones we see sold everywhere. -
The Rite of Spring
On this day was the premiere of The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky. This ballet was important for a new, rhythmically forceful type of music. -
Beginning of the Prohibition
The prohibition went into effect on this day due to the passing of the Volstead Act. While the prohibition was difficult to enforce, it lasted until 1933. -
America's 19th Amendment Ratified
The ratification of this amendment guaranteed a women's right to vote in America. Many women, and organizations had been working towards this goal for decades.