Late 19th century

Definition

The late 19th century refers to the period from approximately 1870 to 1900, a time marked by rapid social, political, and technological changes across the globe. This era is crucial in the context of music, particularly for movements like Impressionism, which broke away from traditional forms and embraced new styles and ideas that reflected contemporary life and emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The late 19th century was a time of transition in music, moving from the Romantic style to more modern approaches like Impressionism.
2. Composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel emerged during this time, using innovative techniques to create music that evoked moods and atmospheres rather than strict narratives.
3. The influence of non-Western music began to be felt, as composers incorporated new scales and rhythms into their works.
4. Technological advancements, like the phonograph and improved instrument manufacturing, changed how music was created and consumed, making it more accessible to the public.
5. Artistic communities flourished in cities like Paris, where musicians, painters, and writers collaborated and inspired one another, contributing to a rich cultural exchange.

Review Questions

• How did the social and technological changes of the late 19th century influence the development of Impressionism in music?
  • The late 19th century saw significant social changes due to urbanization and industrialization. This shift allowed artists to seek inspiration from everyday life and nature rather than traditional themes. Technological advancements, such as the invention of new musical instruments and recording devices, also enabled composers to experiment with sound textures and timbres. This environment encouraged musicians like Debussy to break away from conventional forms, leading to the creation of Impressionistic music that emphasized mood over strict structure.
• Discuss the relationship between Impressionism in music and other artistic movements of the late 19th century.
  • Impressionism in music shares a strong connection with similar movements in visual arts and literature that emerged during the late 19th century. Just as painters like Monet focused on light and color to capture fleeting moments, composers sought to evoke emotions and sensations through innovative harmonies and textures. This cross-pollination of ideas led to a more expressive approach in all forms of art. The movement also aligned with Romantic ideals by exploring individual perception while pushing against established norms in their respective fields.
• Evaluate how the late 19th century served as a pivotal moment for music's evolution towards modernism.
  • The late 19th century was pivotal for music's evolution towards modernism due to a convergence of social, cultural, and technological factors. As composers began to break away from traditional structures established by earlier periods, they embraced experimentation with harmony, form, and instrumentation. The rise of Impressionism marked a significant departure from Romanticism by focusing on subjective experience rather than grand narratives. This shift laid the groundwork for later movements like Expressionism and Serialism in the early 20th century, demonstrating how this era catalyzed transformative changes in musical expression.

Related terms

Impressionism: An artistic movement that originated in France in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on light, color, and capturing moments in time rather than detailed realism.

Romanticism: A cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of the past, influencing various art forms including music during the 19th century.

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies and societies, setting the stage for cultural shifts in the late 19th century.