Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period fostered advancements in philosophy, science, and the arts, leading to significant changes in societal structures and governance. It set the stage for the Classical music era by promoting values such as clarity, balance, and order, which are reflected in the works of key composers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment challenged traditional authority by promoting ideas based on reason and empirical evidence, influencing many aspects of society, including music.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment, like Voltaire and Rousseau, inspired composers to explore themes of individual expression and emotional depth in their music.
3. The principles of symmetry and proportion established during this period can be seen in the structures of Classical compositions, contributing to their lasting appeal.
4. Enlightenment ideals encouraged a shift from religious themes towards secular subjects in music, allowing for broader expressions of human experience.
5. The period set a foundation for future artistic movements, impacting how music was composed, performed, and appreciated by society.

Review Questions

• How did the ideas from the Age of Enlightenment influence the development of Classical music?
  • The Age of Enlightenment introduced concepts like reason and individual expression that greatly influenced Classical music. Composers began to focus on clarity, balance, and form in their works, reflecting the rationalist ideals of the time. This led to new musical structures and styles that prioritized elegance and emotional expression over complex ornamentation characteristic of earlier periods.
• In what ways did Enlightenment thinkers affect societal attitudes towards music during this era?
  • Enlightenment thinkers promoted values like individualism and freedom of thought, which translated into a more open-minded approach to music. This resulted in greater acceptance of diverse musical styles and themes that expressed personal feelings and societal issues. Composers were encouraged to innovate and experiment with new forms, leading to significant developments in symphonic and operatic traditions.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Age of Enlightenment on Western music and its evolution into Romanticism.
  • The Age of Enlightenment laid critical groundwork for Western music's evolution into the Romantic period by fostering an environment where emotion and individual expression became paramount. Composers like Beethoven began to push boundaries established during the Classical era, drawing upon Enlightenment principles to explore deeper emotional narratives in their works. This transition represented a shift from structured forms to more expansive, expressive compositions that resonated with the spirit of Romanticism.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, often associated with thinkers like René Descartes.

Humanism:

A cultural and intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing education and the study of classical texts.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that posits individuals consent to form a society and accept certain obligations for the protection of their rights.