Expressionism

Definition

Expressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the representation of emotional experience rather than physical reality. This style often seeks to convey deep feelings and subjective experiences, using bold colors, distorted forms, and unconventional structures. In music, expressionism is closely linked with atonality and serialism, reflecting intense emotions and often breaking away from traditional tonal systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressionism in music often utilizes dissonance and unconventional harmonies to evoke emotional intensity and tension.
2. Key composers associated with expressionism include Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who were part of the Second Viennese School.
3. Unlike earlier styles, expressionist music frequently abandons traditional forms and structures in favor of more free and innovative approaches.
4. The influence of expressionism extends beyond music into other art forms, including visual arts and literature, sharing a common goal of conveying inner feelings and psychological states.
5. Expressionism marked a significant shift away from Romantic ideals, moving towards a more fragmented and abstract representation of human experience.

Review Questions

• How does expressionism challenge traditional musical forms and tonality?
  • Expressionism challenges traditional musical forms by emphasizing emotional content over established structures. It often employs atonality, breaking away from the idea of a central tonal center. This movement allows composers to explore a wider range of emotional expression, leading to innovative forms that reflect intense personal experiences rather than adhering to conventional musical expectations.
• Discuss the relationship between expressionism and serialism in the context of 20th-century music.
  • Expressionism laid the groundwork for serialism by pushing the boundaries of tonality and structure. Composers like Schoenberg used serial techniques as a means to further express complex emotions. While expressionism focuses on conveying subjective feelings through dissonance and fragmentation, serialism provides a systematic approach to organizing atonal material, enhancing the emotional impact through structured methodologies.
• Evaluate the impact of expressionism on contemporary music practices and its relevance today.
  • Expressionism has significantly influenced contemporary music practices by encouraging composers to explore new emotional depths and innovative soundscapes. Its legacy is evident in various genres, from avant-garde to experimental music, where emotional expression remains paramount. Today's composers often draw from expressionist techniques, using dissonance and abstraction to evoke complex feelings, proving the movement's ongoing relevance in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Related terms

Atonality: A compositional technique that avoids establishing a tonal center, leading to music that does not conform to the conventional hierarchies of tonality.

Serialism: A method of composition that uses a series of values to manipulate different musical elements, often extending the principles of atonality into structured frameworks.

Webern: Anton Webern was an Austrian composer associated with the Second Viennese School, known for his concise and intricate serialist works that embody expressionist ideals.