Light

Emotional Expression

Definition

Emotional expression in music refers to the ability of music to evoke or convey a wide range of feelings, such as joy, sadness, excitement, anger, or love. Composers use various musical elements like melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and tempo to create emotional impact.

Related terms

Melody: The main musical line or tune that stands out within a piece of music. It is often the part you can easily hum or sing.

Dynamics: The variations in volume (loudness/softness) in a musical performance that add depth and intensity to the emotional expression.

Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played. Different tempos can evoke different emotional responses from listeners.

"Emotional Expression" appears in:

Practice Questions (4)

Which movement in the late-18th-century Europe emphasized emotional expression and individualism?
Which composer's music best exemplifies the characteristics of musical romanticism like emotional expression and dramatic narratives?
Which feminist perspective primarily influenced the Romanticism era's emphasis on emotional expression and individualism?
What is a common theme between Beethoven's music and Romantic literature in the context of emotional expression during the same period?

Are you a college student?

Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.