What is the name of the melody or series used in Serial music that includes all twelve notes?

Study for the CM Piano Theory Level 10 Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term "Twelve Tone Row" refers to a specific sequence of all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale used in Serial music. This technique was developed by composer Arnold Schoenberg and serves as a foundational element of his twelve-tone method. In this approach, each of the twelve pitches is treated equally, and the row can be manipulated through various transformations, such as retrograde, inversion, and transposition.

The Twelve Tone Row is crucial because it establishes a structured approach to composition that avoids traditional tonal hierarchy, allowing for greater freedom in musical expression while still maintaining unity and coherence within a piece. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping the principles of Serialism, which is the broader compositional framework that utilizes the Twelve Tone Row and encompasses various ordering systems beyond just melody, including rhythm and dynamics.

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