A period of great stylistic diversity and experimentation in music, along with literature and the visual arts. Both traditional and non-traditional compositional styles and forms appeared as well as the way in which instruments were blended and played.

Features of Twentieth Century music include the use of dissonance and percussive sounds, complex rhythms, complicated melodic lines, new concepts of tonality, the use of electronic devices, computers.

A variety of musical trends which emerged at different times include Impressionism, Primitivism, Nationalism and the use of folk music, Neo-classicism, Jazz, Atonalism, Serialism, Chance music, Electronic music, Early music, the use of non-western music.

The orchestra reflected these trends in its size, groupings of instruments and tonal effects. The woodwinds and brass use the limits of their registers and all players require great virtuosity. The percussion section is expanded to be on equal terms with other sections.

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