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Neoclassicism in music was a 20th century development,
particularly popular in the period between the two World Wars,
in which composers drew inspiration from music of the 1700s
Balanced form
and structure
and restrained
emotional
content
Modern
instrumental
techniques
and chromatic
harmony
from
classical and
baroque era
(classical)
NeoClassicism
from
Romantic
era and turn
of the
century (neo
= new)
Neoclassicism can be seen as a reaction against the prevailing trend
of 19th century Romanticism. In other words it was reacting against the works of such
composers as Berg, Schoenberg and Webern.
Neoclassicism makes a return to balanced forms and often emotional restraint, as
well as 18th century compositional processes and techniques.
Advances in modern instrumental resources such as the full orchestra, which had
greatly expanded since the 18th century, and advanced harmony, makes neoclassical
works distinctly 20th century.
Neo-classical
portraits
Classical
portrait
Prokofiev
Stravinsky
Tippett
Poulenc
Music not
describing
anything in
particular
Bitonality
From
modern
music
Composers
From the
Baroque and
Classical
Style
devoid of
emotion
Forms such
as sonata,
concerto &
symphony
Unexpected
harmonies
Unexpected
chord
sequences
Deliberate
‘wrong’
notes
Neo Classicism
Hindemith
Devices
such as
alberti bass,
sequence &
imitation
Frequent
changes
of key
Also...
Echoes of
earlier
composers
Clarity of
sound in
solos
Clear
texture
Regular
rhythms
One of the
masters of 20th
century music
Lived to the age
of 88
Known as a
chameleonic
composer
He went
through 3 or 4
different styles
in his life
Wrote an opera based on 16th
century story so researched
the style and liked it so much
that he adopted some of the
elements of the style into his
own work
Was composing aged 5
Lived in Ukraine which
was part of the USSR
Soviet government
exercised censorship
over music and the arts
Music wasn’t heard in
public if it was ‘too
difficult for the common
man’ to appreciate
At 13 he entered the
Conservatoire in Moscow
The revolution of 1917
affected his work (and the
effect of the Soviet
regime)
Travelled to escape censorship
Met Diaghilev (ballet
choreographer) but he
rejected his music
Returned to Russia
Neo-classicism fitted
well into this regime
1918: Classical Symphony was
performed (expressed ideas of
the past in musical form)
Artistic freedom was
suppressed in this way
Pleased the Soviet government
but still felt constrained so
left Russia again
At the turn of the
century he was among
the very first to travel
into the countryside to
collect folk-songs and
carols from singers
Musical editor of
The English Hymnal he
composed several
hymns that are now
world-wide favourites
Notated songs and
carols for future
generations to
enjoy.
Deeply affected by
WWI, and the loss
of his composer
friend Butterworth
Sustained a long
and deep
friendship with the
composer Gustav
Holst (Planets)
He also became
professor of
composition at the
Royal College of
Music in London.
(For all the Saints, Come
down O love Divine)
Work included nine
symphonies, five operas,
film music, ballet and stage
music, several song cycles,
church music and works for
chorus and orchestra
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=xH2UcunPAR0
http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=gzYpGumhETU