Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

serialism

noun

/ˈsɪəriəlɪz(ə)m/

Definition

A method of composition in which a fixed series of values governs the manipulation of musical elements.

Examples

Serialism is often associated with 20th-century composers like Arnold Schoenberg.
Many contemporary classical works utilize serialism to create structure and complexity.

Meaning

Serialism is a technique in music that involves the systematic ordering of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and other musical elements in a specific series or row.