Intonarumori

Definition

Intonarumori, meaning 'noise intoners' in Italian, refers to a series of experimental musical instruments invented by Italian Futurist artist Luigi Russolo in the early 20th century. These instruments were designed to produce a variety of noise sounds, challenging traditional notions of music and sound by embracing the cacophony of modern life. Intonarumori played a crucial role in Russolo's manifesto on noise music, where he advocated for the incorporation of everyday sounds into artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Luigi Russolo introduced intonarumori in his 1913 manifesto 'L'arte dei rumori' ('The Art of Noises'), arguing that noise should be an integral part of music.
2. The intonarumori consisted of various instruments, each capable of producing different types of noise, such as rumblings, screeches, and hisses.
3. Russolo believed that modern society was filled with noise from machines and industrialization, and he sought to reflect this reality through his inventions.
4. Performances featuring intonarumori were often loud and chaotic, breaking away from the melodic traditions of classical music to create an immersive auditory experience.
5. Russolo's work with intonarumori influenced later movements in music and art, paving the way for experimental sound art and noise music in the decades that followed.

Review Questions

• How did Luigi Russolo's creation of intonarumori challenge traditional concepts of music?
  • Luigi Russolo's invention of intonarumori challenged traditional concepts of music by shifting the focus from melody and harmony to the use of noise as a legitimate musical element. He argued that the sounds produced by modern machines and the chaos of urban life could be incorporated into music, redefining what could be considered art. By doing so, Russolo opened up new avenues for artistic expression that embraced the complexities of modern existence.
• Discuss the significance of Russolo's manifesto 'L'arte dei rumori' in relation to intonarumori and Futurism.
  • Russolo's manifesto 'L'arte dei rumori' is significant because it laid the philosophical groundwork for both intonarumori and the broader Futurist movement. The manifesto emphasized the importance of embracing noise as an artistic medium and advocated for a break from conventional musical forms. This alignment with Futurism's ideals—such as celebrating technology and modernity—made intonarumori not just instruments but symbols of a revolutionary approach to art in the early 20th century.
• Evaluate the impact of intonarumori on later developments in experimental music and sound art.
  • The impact of intonarumori on later developments in experimental music and sound art is profound, as Russolo's exploration of noise opened up new possibilities for artists and musicians. His ideas influenced movements such as Dadaism and Fluxus, which further embraced unconventional sounds and anti-art sentiments. Intonarumori paved the way for genres like electronic music and avant-garde compositions that continue to challenge listeners' perceptions of sound and music today.

Related terms

Futurism:

An avant-garde artistic movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century, characterized by a focus on modernity, speed, technology, and the dynamic energy of contemporary life.

Noise Music: A genre of music that emphasizes unconventional sounds and noise rather than traditional musical structures and melodies, often reflecting the chaotic nature of urban life.

Manifesto: A public declaration of principles and intentions, often associated with avant-garde movements like Futurism, outlining the ideas and goals of its proponents.