Unit 9 - Early 20th Century to 1945

understanding through music

Think About It

Here are three songs that capture the spirit and sound of the early 20th century. Which one do you like best and why?

Understanding through Art

One style of art and architecture which became popular in the first few decades of the 20th century was ‘art deco.’ It was a collection of styles were originally from Europe; some of the most famous buildings of the 1930s were built and decorated in this style. Materials like concrete, steel, bronze and stone were mixed with colored glass and ceramics to create images which represented progress, fast movement and the future.

Rockefeller Center, a group of skyscrapers in New York City, was finished in 1937 and was influenced by this style. It contained headquarters for major corporations, including radio networks, magazine publishers and airlines. This picture shows one of Rockefeller Center’s entrances on Fifth Avenue. How this building supposed to make you feel?