Expressionism

Definition

Expressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on representing emotional experience rather than physical reality. It sought to convey intense emotions and personal feelings through vivid imagery and distorted forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional art and music. This movement had a significant impact on various art forms, including visual arts, literature, and particularly music, where it emphasized individuality and psychological depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressionism in music was characterized by a break from traditional forms and tonality, with composers using dissonance and unconventional harmonies to express complex emotions.
2. Key composers associated with expressionism include Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who are often referred to as the Second Viennese School.
3. Expressionist works often explore themes of anxiety, alienation, and existential despair, reflecting the turbulent social changes of the early 20th century.
4. The use of unconventional instrumental techniques and vocal styles, such as Sprechstimme, is a hallmark of expressionist music, enhancing emotional expression.
5. Expressionism laid the groundwork for later avant-garde movements, influencing experimental approaches in music and other art forms throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did expressionism in music differ from previous musical styles in terms of emotional expression and structure?
  • Expressionism in music broke away from traditional forms and tonal structures that characterized earlier styles. It placed a strong emphasis on conveying raw emotional experiences through dissonance and unconventional harmonies. Composers experimented with structure by creating works that focused more on psychological depth rather than adhering to established musical forms, leading to a unique sound palette that reflected intense feelings.
• Discuss the influence of key composers associated with expressionism on the development of modern classical music.
  • Key composers like Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern were pivotal in shaping modern classical music through their expressionist works. They pioneered atonal music and expanded the boundaries of harmony and structure, leading to new ways of thinking about composition. Their techniques influenced countless musicians and set the stage for future avant-garde movements, making their contributions essential to understanding the evolution of 20th-century music.
• Evaluate the impact of societal changes in the early 20th century on the themes expressed in expressionist music.
  • The societal changes during the early 20th century, including war, economic upheaval, and rapid industrialization, greatly influenced the themes found in expressionist music. Composers responded to feelings of anxiety, alienation, and existential despair prevalent in society by expressing these emotions through their compositions. This reflection of societal turmoil not only resonated with audiences but also provided a lens through which future generations would interpret human experience amidst chaos and change.

Related terms

Atonality:

A musical approach that rejects the traditional tonal system, allowing for the use of all twelve pitches without establishing a home key.

Sprechstimme: A vocal technique between singing and speaking that is often used in expressionist music to convey emotion and intensity.

Impressionism:

An artistic movement that preceded expressionism, focusing on capturing light and color, often evoking a more subtle emotional response compared to the bold expressions of later styles.