Absolute music

Definition

Absolute music refers to instrumental music that is created without any explicit narrative or extra-musical programmatic content. It focuses purely on the structure, form, and sound of the music itself rather than telling a story or representing something outside of music. This concept is particularly significant in movements that prioritize musical form and organization over emotional or descriptive elements, especially during certain historical periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolute music emerged prominently during the 19th century as composers sought to define music as an art form independent from external influences.
2. Composers like Johannes Brahms and later Anton Webern are known for their contributions to absolute music, focusing on intricate forms and structures.
3. The distinction between absolute and program music became more pronounced during the Romantic period, leading to debates about the purpose and meaning of music.
4. In neoclassicism, the return to clarity and form often embraced absolute music as a reaction against the emotional excesses of late Romanticism.
5. Serialism, which utilizes ordered sequences of pitches, rhythm, dynamics, and other musical elements, can also be seen as a pursuit of absolute music by emphasizing structure over narrative.

Review Questions

• How does absolute music differ from program music in terms of compositional intent?
  • Absolute music differs from program music primarily in its intent; while absolute music focuses solely on the musical elements themselves without any narrative or outside reference, program music is designed to evoke specific images or tell a story. This fundamental difference affects how listeners interpret the pieces. Program music often has accompanying titles or themes that guide the listener's understanding, whereas absolute music invites listeners to engage with the pure sound and structure without preconceived ideas.
• Discuss how the principles of neoclassicism relate to the concept of absolute music.
  • Neoclassicism is closely related to the concept of absolute music in that it emphasizes clarity, balance, and formal structure in composition. This movement reacted against the emotionalism of late Romanticism by reviving classical forms and styles. Composers associated with neoclassicism often utilized absolute music techniques to create works that focused on form and structure rather than narrative or emotional expression. This shift allowed for a renewed appreciation of the inherent beauty in musical organization itself.
• Evaluate the impact of serialism on the development of absolute music and its philosophical implications.
  • Serialism had a significant impact on absolute music by pushing composers to explore new organizational methods for pitch and rhythm while maintaining a focus on structural integrity. By using predetermined sequences or series, composers like Arnold Schoenberg sought to create a sense of coherence within their works without relying on traditional tonality or narrative forms. This philosophical shift reinforced the idea that music could exist purely for its own sake—focusing on innovation in technique rather than conveying external meanings—thereby deepening the conversation about what constitutes 'absolute' music in contemporary contexts.

Related terms

Program Music: A type of music that is intended to evoke a specific idea, story, or image, often with accompanying text or a title that indicates its meaning.

Sonata Form: A musical structure commonly used in the first movements of sonatas, symphonies, and chamber works, characterized by its three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Formalism: An approach to art and music that emphasizes formal qualities and structure over content or emotional expression.