The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century Summary & Key Insights

Alex Ross's "The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century" isn't a narrative with a traditional plot, but rather a sweeping, chronologically structured history of 20th-century classical music. The "plot," if one can call it that, is the unfolding of musical styles and the lives of the composers who shaped them. Ross doesn't focus on a single protagonist but instead presents a vast ensemble cast of composers, whose interconnected lives and artistic struggles form the backbone of the narrative.

The book begins with the late Romantic era's lingering influence and the emergence of atonality and Expressionism, primarily through the works and lives of composers like Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who reacted against the perceived excesses of Romanticism. Their development of serialism, a system of composing based on ordered series of notes, is explored in detail, showing its complex and controversial reception.

Ross then delves into the rise of neoclassicism and its various strands, highlighting figures like Igor Stravinsky, whose stylistic shifts are analyzed across decades, from his early ballets to his later neoclassical works. He juxtaposes Stravinsky's revolutionary approach with the contrasting styles of other significant composers, such as Béla Bartók's folk-inspired music and the modernist explorations of Paul Hindemith.

The mid-century is characterized by the contrasting currents of American minimalism and European serialism. Ross skillfully traces the evolution of minimalism through the works of composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich, highlighting the movement's influence on popular culture and its unique aesthetic. He also examines the continued development and diversifications of serialism, noting its limitations and ultimate decline as a dominant force.

The book further explores the rise of postmodernism in music, touching upon the varied approaches of composers like John Cage and his experiments with chance and silence. Ross acknowledges the difficulty of making sense of the seemingly disparate directions of late 20th-century music, demonstrating the influence of electronic music and the continued evolution of various compositional styles.

Overarching themes include the complex relationship between art and politics, the constant tension between innovation and tradition, and the struggle for recognition and acceptance faced by many of these composers. Ross masterfully weaves together biographical details, musical analyses, and historical context, painting a vibrant picture of a century defined by immense musical change and experimentation. Ultimately, "The Rest Is Noise" is a compelling testament to the dynamism and enduring power of classical music in the 20th century.