Expressionism: A musical style focused on conveying intense emotions and subjective experiences, often through dissonant harmonies and unconventional structures.
Context and Significance
Expressionism in music emphasizes emotional intensity and personal expression, often resulting in compositions marked by dissonance and fragmented melodies. This style is significant in early 20th-century music, particularly within the realms of orchestral and operatic compositions. Expressionist music finds its roots in the broader Expressionist movement, which encompasses various art forms. It is commonly associated with composers who seek to explore the depths of human emotion, using instruments to convey raw, visceral experiences.
Historical Background
Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the perceived superficiality of Romanticism. It first gained prominence through the works of composers like Arnold Schoenberg, who sought to break away from traditional tonal harmony. This movement paralleled developments in visual arts and literature, sharing a common goal of expressing the subconscious and the darker aspects of the human psyche. As a musical movement, Expressionism paved the way for avant-garde techniques and experimentation in composition.
Examples
Expressionism is epitomized in Arnold Schoenberg’s “Pierrot Lunaire,” a seminal work that captures the essence of the style through its use of atonality and sprechstimme. Another example is Alban Berg’s opera “Wozzeck,” which employs dissonance and stark orchestration to explore themes of alienation and madness. These works highlight the Expressionist commitment to exploring complex emotional landscapes through innovative musical techniques.
Related Terms
Atonality: Music lacking a tonal center, often used in Expressionism.
Sprechstimme: A vocal technique between singing and speaking, used in Expressionist works.
Modernism: An artistic movement that includes Expressionism, emphasizing innovation and new forms.