Edward Hanslick

Definition

Edward Hanslick was a prominent Austrian music critic and musicologist in the 19th century, known for his influential writings on the aesthetics of music. His work played a significant role in shaping music criticism and the discourse surrounding public concerts during a time of major change in the musical landscape, where the public's engagement with music was evolving.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hanslick is best known for his book 'On the Musically Beautiful' published in 1854, where he argues that music should be appreciated for its form and structure rather than its emotional content.
2. He was a strong advocate for absolute music, believing that instrumental music exists independently from programmatic or narrative elements.
3. Hanslick's critiques were influential in establishing the role of the music critic as a significant figure in the cultural landscape of the 19th century.
4. His ideas contributed to the rise of a more sophisticated audience for classical music, leading to increased attendance at public concerts.
5. Hanslick's focus on musical aesthetics also laid the groundwork for future discussions about the nature of music and its role in society.

Review Questions

• How did Edward Hanslick's writings influence the development of music criticism during the 19th century?
  • Edward Hanslick's writings, particularly 'On the Musically Beautiful,' had a profound impact on music criticism by shifting the focus towards the formal aspects of music rather than emotional expression. He emphasized that music should be appreciated for its structural beauty, which helped establish a more analytical approach to evaluating performances. This transformation encouraged critics to develop a deeper understanding of musical compositions and facilitated a more informed audience at public concerts.
• Discuss Hanslick's views on absolute music and how they reflect broader trends in 19th-century concert culture.
  • Hanslick championed absolute music, arguing that instrumental music should be valued for its own sake without narrative or extra-musical associations. This perspective aligned with broader trends in 19th-century concert culture, where audiences began to expect more sophisticated performances focused on the technical and aesthetic qualities of music. His ideas resonated with composers who sought to elevate instrumental works and helped shape the concert experience into one that emphasized musical craftsmanship over storytelling.
• Evaluate how Edward Hanslick’s philosophy contributed to changing perceptions of music in society and its impact on future generations of musicians and critics.
  • Edward Hanslick’s philosophy significantly altered how music was perceived in society by advocating for an appreciation based on aesthetic criteria rather than emotional or programmatic connections. This shift not only influenced contemporaneous audiences and critics but also set a precedent for future generations to approach music with a critical eye towards its structure and form. As musicians began to embrace these ideas, they focused more on compositional integrity and artistic expression, shaping the evolution of classical music into the modern era.

Related terms

Music Criticism: The practice of evaluating and analyzing music performances, compositions, and trends, often published in newspapers or journals, which grew significantly in the 19th century.

Aesthetic Theory: A philosophical approach that examines the nature of beauty and taste in art, including music, which influenced Hanslick's perspective on how to appreciate and critique music.

Concert Culture: The environment and social practices surrounding public concerts, including audience engagement, performance practices, and the role of critics like Hanslick in shaping public perceptions of music.