Discuss the growth and development of music during early years of 20th century.

The early years of the 20th century marked a period of significant transformation and innovation in the world of music. This era, often referred to as the "Modernist" period, witnessed the convergence of various musical styles, the emergence of new genres, and the exploration of avant-garde techniques. The interplay of tradition and experimentation characterized the dynamic growth and development of music during this time.

1. Transition from Romanticism to Modernism:**

• The early 20th century saw a departure from the Romantic musical ideals of the 19th century. Composers sought to break away from traditional tonality, formal structures, and expressive styles. This shift was a response to the changing socio-cultural landscape and a desire for artistic innovation.

2. Impressionism:**

• Impressionism, primarily associated with French composers, made a significant impact on the early 20th-century music scene. Composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel embraced a more atmospheric and evocative approach, using non-traditional scales, harmonies, and orchestrations to create vivid sonic landscapes. Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and Ravel's "Boléro" exemplify the Impressionist style.

3. Expressionism:**

• In contrast to the dreamy qualities of Impressionism, Expressionism emerged as a more intense and emotionally charged movement. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg sought to express inner emotions and psychological states through dissonant harmonies and atonal structures. Schoenberg's development of the twelve-tone technique, as seen in works like "Pierrot Lunaire," exemplified the Expressionist pursuit of heightened emotional expression.

4. Primitivism and Folk Influences:**

• Composers explored the influence of folk music and primitivism, seeking inspiration from non-Western musical traditions and rural folk cultures. Igor Stravinsky's groundbreaking ballet "The Rite of Spring" exemplified this trend, with its rhythmic complexity, dissonant chords, and incorporation of Russian folk elements. The riotous premiere of "The Rite of Spring" in 1913 underscored the revolutionary nature of these musical developments.

5. Jazz and Popular Music:**

• The early 20th century witnessed the rise of jazz, a genre that originated in African American communities and quickly gained global popularity. Jazz, characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and unique rhythmic elements, became a symbol of cultural dynamism. Figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington played pivotal roles in shaping the jazz movement.

6. The Birth of Recording Industry:**

• Technological advancements, particularly the development of the phonograph and the radio, played a crucial role in the dissemination of music. The recording industry emerged, allowing musicians to reach larger audiences beyond live performances. This shift in distribution profoundly impacted the way music was consumed and contributed to the globalization of musical styles.

7. Influence of World War I:**

• World War I had a profound impact on the arts, including music. The devastation and disillusionment resulting from the war influenced composers to explore darker themes and unconventional sounds. Composers like Benjamin Britten and Dmitri Shostakovich captured the emotional complexities of the war experience in their compositions.

8. Neoclassicism:**

• As a reaction to the complexities of avant-garde styles, the neoclassical movement emerged in the mid-20th century. Composers such as Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev revisited classical forms, incorporating elements of 18th-century music with a modern twist. Stravinsky's "Pulcinella" and Prokofiev's "Classical Symphony" are examples of neoclassical compositions.

9. Experimentalism and Electronic Music:**

• The early 20th century also witnessed experimentation with new sound possibilities. Composers like Edgard Varèse explored the use of electronic instruments and non-traditional timbres. The advent of electronic instruments, such as the theremin and the ondes Martenot, contributed to the development of electronic music.

In summary, the early years of the 20th century were a time of immense growth and development in the world of music. The era witnessed a departure from traditional tonalities, the emergence of new styles such as Impressionism and Expressionism, the global influence of jazz, the impact of technological advancements on the recording industry, and the experimentation with electronic sounds. The music of this period reflects the spirit of innovation, cultural shifts, and a profound reevaluation of artistic norms.