Since we haven't had much time to reflect on the 20th century as a musical period, it does not have a cool name like the others. Maybe some day it will have a neat title, but for now it is just "20th Century Music."
The 20th century really got rid of all conventions previous to it, and really forced the music community to ask "what is music?" Does organization really matter, or can music be derived from chaos?
The 20th century also allowed us to focus on what our minds allowed, particularly with the advent of radio, television and the internet. You are no longer forced to listen to whatever your local orchestra is playing - you can simply turn on your computer and find whatever you want. Furthermore, it has all been chronicled so that you CAN find it.
Adagio for Strings, by Samuel Barber
Barber's piece is so incredibly moving, and is always associated with sadness and despair. (Just watch the video.)
"Mambo" from West Side Story, by Leonard Bernstein
The first time I hear this, I think - HOW AWESOME IS THIS PIECE!?!?!?
The second time I hear this, I think - HOW CRAZY MUST THIS MUSIC LOOK!?!?!?!?
Seriously - watch the percussion section earn their money. And note how many more percussion instruments there are as opposed to some of the Baroque/Classical/Romantic pieces you've seen.
Suite "1922", Op. 26, by Paul Hindemith
Although he is mainly known for orchestral works, here is a fantastically dizzying piano composition. Have fun following it.
"Classical Symphony" by Prokofiev
Even though it was written in the 20th Century, can you guess why it is called the "Classical" Symphony?
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