Final answer:
Compositions that fix elements like pitch, timbre, rhythm, and dynamics in a specific order are known as serial or twelve-tone music. Serial music follows strict rules where basic musical units, such as notes and timbres, and their arrangement in rhythms and patterns, are predetermined to create a structured musical piece.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compositions that place such elements as pitch, timbre, rhythm, and dynamics in a fixed order are commonly known as serial or twelve-tone music. In this compositional technique, these musical elements are organized into series, which are then manipulated according to certain rules. The most basic unit of music is the note, which can be combined with other notes to generate tunes.
In addition, music involves the number and relative intensity of multiple frequencies, which contributes to the overall timbre of the piece. The placement and duration of these notes create the rhythm, which can be patterned to create repetition and form the underlying pulse of a composition.
To be purposeful and well-crafted, a musical composition should reflect the composer's intentions and communicate effectively with the audience, often employing repetition/patterns and consciously arranging other elements of music to achieve that goal. In the context of serial music, these elements are predetermined and strictly controlled throughout the piece to maintain a specific musical structure and style.