Expressionism

Definition

Expressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of distortion and exaggeration to convey emotional experience rather than physical reality. This movement profoundly impacted various art forms, including music, as it sought to express the inner feelings and anxieties of individuals in a rapidly changing world, often drawing inspiration from Symbolist poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressionism emerged as a reaction against the realism of the late 19th century, seeking to convey more profound psychological truths through art.
2. In music, Expressionist composers like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg utilized atonality and complex harmonies to create works that reflected intense emotions and existential themes.
3. The influence of Symbolist poetry is evident in Expressionist music, as both movements prioritize individual perception and emotional response over external reality.
4. Visual artists like Edvard Munch and Wassily Kandinsky were key figures in the Expressionist movement, inspiring musicians to adopt similar techniques in their compositions.
5. Expressionism aimed to capture the anxieties and dislocation felt by individuals in modern society, particularly in the aftermath of World War I.

Review Questions

• How did Expressionism in music reflect the emotional landscape of its time?
  • Expressionism in music mirrored the emotional turmoil of the early 20th century, especially following World War I. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg used atonality and dissonance to express feelings of anxiety and dislocation. This approach allowed for a more personal and intense exploration of emotion, setting it apart from previous musical forms that adhered more closely to traditional tonalities.
• Analyze the connection between Symbolist poetry and Expressionism in music. How did Symbolist ideas influence musical expression during this period?
  • Symbolist poetry laid the groundwork for Expressionism by emphasizing subjective experience and emotion over realism. This shift inspired musicians to explore similar themes through their compositions. As poets like Stéphane Mallarmé crafted evocative images using symbols, composers drew upon these ideas to create music that conveyed profound emotional states rather than straightforward narratives. The focus on individual perception became central to both movements, fostering a rich dialogue between literature and music.
• Evaluate the impact of Expressionism on the broader trajectory of modern music. In what ways did it challenge traditional forms and pave the way for future musical developments?
  • Expressionism significantly influenced modern music by challenging conventional structures and introducing new ways of expression through atonality and complex harmonies. This departure from traditional tonality not only redefined how composers approached musical composition but also set the stage for later movements such as avant-garde and experimental music. The emphasis on emotional intensity over form allowed for greater freedom in musical exploration, leading to innovative techniques that would shape the future of Western classical music.

Related terms

Symbolism:

A late 19th-century literary movement that emphasized the use of symbols to represent ideas and emotions, often focusing on the subjective experience and deeper meanings behind ordinary events.

Atonality: A musical system that abandons traditional tonal structures, creating a sense of dissonance and freedom from key centers, commonly associated with Expressionist composers.

Dissonance:

A combination of tones that produces an unsettling or clashing effect, often used in Expressionist music to evoke tension and emotional depth.