Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Music of the 21st century is a testimony to radical changes in the development of musical art. Rejecting the traditional norms of the classical era, composers of the new century seek new means of expression, experimenting with musical form, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and other elements of musical language. Contemporary piano music is characterized by a wide variety of styles, genres, and forms, reflecting the multifaceted creative explorations of musicians in the new era. In addition to the technical challenges that place high demands on performers, it also opens new possibilities for artistic expression. Analyzing musical works of the 21st century in terms of their figurative content and stylistic nature becomes an essential component of musicological research. Contemporary composers actively use the latest technologies and combine classical and innovative methods of composition, opening new horizons for musical interpretations. At the same time, 21st-century piano music is marked by a variety of interpretative approaches, as each work requires individual interpretation and a particular understanding of compositional techniques. Due to the integration of new musical languages and technologies, as well as the development of compositional strategies that break with past traditions, modern piano works acquire a special complexity and universality. An important aspect is that today music is more significantly revealed in the context of globalization, where the interaction of different cultures and styles fosters the emergence of new musical trends. In this context, the study of the stylistic and genre features of works created in the 21st century is especially important, as it helps not only to understand changes in musical thinking but also to formulate new approaches to performance techniques and pedagogical practices. The creativity of composers of the new century allows us to view music as a constantly evolving process, integrating new technologies and interpretative strategies. However, it is also important to note that all these innovations continue to serve as the foundation for cultural identity and the preservation of traditional musical heritage.
Author: XinYu Ma
Language: English
Subfield: Music
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411686065