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As the world marched into the 20th century, a dramatic shift occurred in the musical landscape. Influenced by the upheavals of philosophy, science, and global conflict, composers began challenging traditional harmonic systems. The movement toward atonalism sought to dismantle the established order of music altogether.
Russian composers, such as Stravinsky and Shostakovich, emerged as formidable voices, crafting music that reflected the chaos and tragedy of their time without entirely abandoning tonal frameworks. Meanwhile, the American music scene blossomed with figures like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin, who revitalized popular music, creating new forms such as the musical.