serialism
UK[ˈsɪəriəlɪzəm]US[ˈsɪriəlɪzəm]
n
A method of musical composition using a fixed series of notes, especially the twelve notes of the chromatic scale, in a particular order which is then used to structure the melody, harmony, and other elements of the piece.
n
The theory or practice of composing music in this way.
Morpheme Breakdown
serial
ism
serial
arranged in a series
ism
system or theory
Etymology
The term 'serialism' is a 20th-century construction built upon the older English adjective 'serial', which itself derives from the Latin series, meaning a connected sequence or row. The suffix '-ism', with its Greek lineage, was appended to transform the descriptive term into a noun signifying the formalized doctrine or technique. Thus, the word's literal logic is "the theory or system based on a series." This perfectly encapsulates the compositional method's foundational principle: the rigorous application of a pre-determined series of musical elements as the governing structural force for an entire work, moving from the concrete idea of a sequence to an abstract artistic ideology.
Analysis
Structure: serial (arranged in a series) + ism (system or theory)
- serial: From Latin series (a row, chain, sequence). In this word, it functions as the base, conveying the core concept of an ordered sequence.
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ismus), used to form nouns denoting a distinctive system, theory, or practice.
Examples
Arnold Schoenberg is widely regarded as a pioneer of serialism.
The composer's later works moved from tonal harmony toward strict serialism.
Some listeners find the logic of serialism intellectually appealing, even if the sound is challenging.