Glossary

3.2 Symbolist Poetry and Its Influence on Music

6 min read•august 13, 2024

emerged in late 19th century France as a reaction against Realism. It sought to evoke emotions through symbols and metaphors, exploring inner worlds and transcendence. The movement emphasized musicality and in language.

Symbolism greatly influenced musical and . Composers like Debussy and Ravel captured the elusive qualities of Symbolist poetry in their works, using and to mirror the movement's fascination with mystery.

Symbolist Poetry Characteristics

Reaction Against Realism and Naturalism

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  • Symbolist poetry emerged in late 19th century France as a reaction against Realism and Naturalism
  • Sought to evoke emotions and ideas through symbols, metaphors, and suggestive language
  • Rejected direct statements and descriptions in favor of more subtle and evocative approaches

Exploration of Inner World and Transcendence

  • Key themes include the exploration of the individual's inner world and the search for transcendence and the ideal
  • Believed in the power of art to reveal hidden truths and provide a means of accessing higher states of consciousness
  • Drew inspiration from mythology, dreams, and the supernatural to create a sense of mystery and ambiguity

Emphasis on Musicality and Synesthesia

  • Focused on the inherent rhythms and sounds of language, prioritizing the aural qualities of words over their literal meanings
  • Employed synesthesia, the blending of sensory experiences, to create vivid and evocative imagery (e.g., describing colors in terms of sounds or scents)
  • Sought to create a sense of musicality in their poetry through the use of repetition, alliteration, and other sonic devices

Key Figures and Their Contributions

  • , known for his collection "Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil), which explored themes of decadence, beauty, and the human condition
  • , whose works, such as "Romances sans paroles" (Songs Without Words), emphasized the musical qualities of language and the of moods
  • , whose innovative and experimental approach to poetry, as seen in works like "Une Saison en Enfer" (A Season in Hell), pushed the boundaries of traditional form and content
  • , whose complex and enigmatic poems, such as "L'Après-midi d'un faune" (The Afternoon of a Faun), exemplified the Symbolist fascination with the power of and the ineffable

Symbolist Influence on Music

Impact on Musical Impressionism

  • Symbolist poetry's emphasis on evoking emotions and creating significantly influenced the development of musical impressionism
  • Composers like and sought to capture the elusive and intangible qualities of Symbolist poetry in their compositions (e.g., Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" and Ravel's "Gaspard de la nuit")
  • The use of exotic scales, unconventional harmonies, and innovative timbres in impressionist music mirrored the Symbolist fascination with the mysterious and the ineffable

Exploration of Synesthesia and Correspondences

  • The Symbolist interest in the correspondences between the senses inspired composers to explore the concept of synesthesia in their works
  • Composers attempted to translate visual and poetic imagery into musical form, creating works that blurred the boundaries between different artistic media
  • Examples include 's "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire," which incorporated a color organ to create a multi-sensory experience, and 's "Couleurs de la cité céleste" (Colors of the Celestial City), which sought to evoke specific colors through musical means

Influence on Musical Expressionism and Modernism

  • The Symbolist preoccupation with the inner world of the individual and the exploration of psychological states influenced the development of musical expressionism
  • Composers like and sought to convey intense emotions and subjective experiences through their music, as exemplified by works such as Schoenberg's "Pierrot Lunaire" and Berg's "Wozzeck"
  • The Symbolist rejection of traditional forms and structures in favor of more fluid and organic approaches to composition had a lasting impact on the development of musical modernism in the early 20th century
  • Composers like and embraced the Symbolist spirit of innovation and experimentation, pushing the boundaries of musical form and language in works such as Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Bartók's string quartets

Symbolist Poets vs Composers

Artistic Circles and Collaborations

  • Symbolist poets and composers often moved in the same artistic circles, frequenting salons and cafes where they exchanged ideas and influenced each other's work
  • Poets like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine were deeply interested in music and wrote poems that were inspired by or intended to be set to music
  • Composers such as Claude Debussy and Gabriel Fauré set numerous Symbolist poems to music, creating a new genre of that sought to capture the ethereal and suggestive qualities of the texts (e.g., Debussy's settings of Verlaine's "Fêtes galantes" and Fauré's "La Bonne Chanson")

Innovative Works and Collaborations

  • The collaborations between Symbolist poets and composers led to the creation of innovative works that pushed the boundaries of traditional musical form and harmony
  • Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," inspired by Mallarmé's poem of the same name, is a prime example of how Symbolist poetry influenced the development of new musical languages and forms
  • The Symbolist fascination with the figure of the artist as a visionary and a creator of new worlds found expression in the works of composers such as Alexander Scriabin, who sought to create a synthesis of music, poetry, and visual art in his compositions (e.g., his unfinished work "Mysterium")

Multi-Sensory Works and Interdisciplinary Collaborations

  • The Symbolist poets' interest in the relationship between music and other art forms, such as painting and dance, inspired collaborations between composers and artists from various disciplines
  • These collaborations led to the creation of multi-sensory works that sought to create a unified artistic experience, such as Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, which brought together composers, choreographers, and visual artists to create groundbreaking productions (e.g., Stravinsky's "The Firebird" and "Petrushka")
  • The Symbolist legacy of interdisciplinary collaboration continued to inspire artists throughout the 20th century, leading to the creation of innovative works that blurred the boundaries between different artistic media, such as 's "Roaratorio," which combined music, text, and visual elements

Symbolist Poetry's Lasting Impact

Influence on Musical Modernism and Avant-Garde

  • The Symbolist emphasis on the evocative power of music and its ability to express the inexpressible had a profound influence on the development of musical modernism
  • Composers sought to push the boundaries of traditional tonality and form, creating new musical languages and structures that reflected the Symbolist spirit of innovation and experimentation
  • The Symbolist fascination with the inner world of the individual and the exploration of psychological states paved the way for the emergence of musical expressionism, as seen in the works of composers like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg
  • The Symbolist rejection of traditional forms and structures in favor of more fluid and organic approaches to composition had a lasting impact on the development of avant-garde music, as composers sought to create new musical languages and forms (e.g., John Cage's chance-based compositions and Karlheinz Stockhausen's electronic works)

Continued Exploration of Synesthesia and Correspondences

  • The Symbolist interest in the correspondences between the senses and the concept of synesthesia continued to inspire composers throughout the 20th century
  • Composers sought to create works that blurred the boundaries between music and other art forms, exploring the relationship between sound, color, and visual imagery
  • Examples include Olivier Messiaen's "Couleurs de la cité céleste" (Colors of the Celestial City), which sought to evoke specific colors through musical means, and György Ligeti's "Lux Aeterna," which creates a shimmering, luminous soundscape through the use of micropolyphony

Influence on Film Music and Contemporary Composers

  • The Symbolist emphasis on the power of suggestion and the evocative potential of music influenced the development of film music, as composers sought to create atmospheric scores that enhanced the emotional impact of visual narratives
  • Composers like Bernard Herrmann and Ennio Morricone drew on the Symbolist legacy to create evocative and psychologically nuanced film scores that became integral parts of the cinematic experience (e.g., Herrmann's scores for Alfred Hitchcock's films and Morricone's scores for Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns)
  • The Symbolist legacy continues to inspire contemporary composers who explore the relationship between music, poetry, and the ineffable, pushing the boundaries of musical expression in new and innovative ways
  • Examples include Kaija Saariaho's "L'Amour de Loin" (Love from Afar), an opera inspired by the life of a 12th-century troubadour that explores themes of love, longing, and the power of the imagination, and Toru Takemitsu's "Rain Spell," which creates a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that evokes the Symbolist fascination with nature and the mysterious

Key Terms to Review (28)

Alban Berg: Alban Berg was an Austrian composer known for his contributions to atonal and serial music, emerging as a key figure in the Second Viennese School alongside Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. His innovative approach to composition, which blended traditional elements with modern techniques, helped shape the evolution of 20th-century music. His works often exhibit a deep emotional intensity and are frequently influenced by literary themes, connecting him to the broader artistic movements of his time.
Alexander Scriabin: Alexander Scriabin was a Russian composer and pianist, active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his innovative approach to harmony and form. He is often associated with Symbolist poetry due to his exploration of spirituality and mysticism in his music, which was heavily influenced by the philosophical ideas of the time.
Arnold Schoenberg: Arnold Schoenberg was an influential Austrian composer known for developing atonality and serialism in music. He played a key role in transforming the landscape of 20th-century music, moving away from traditional tonal structures and introducing new compositional techniques that would influence composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern. His work also engaged with the aesthetics of Symbolist poetry, exploring themes of emotion and abstraction.
Art song: An art song is a vocal music composition, typically for solo voice accompanied by piano, that emphasizes the artistic expression of poetry. These songs are characterized by their emotional depth, intricate musical settings of lyrics, and the exploration of personal themes, making them a vital part of the late 19th and early 20th-century music scene, particularly influenced by Symbolist poetry.
Arthur Rimbaud: Arthur Rimbaud was a French poet known for his influential role in the Symbolist movement, which sought to express emotions and ideas through imagery and suggestion rather than direct representation. His innovative use of language and exploration of themes like love, nature, and rebellion set the groundwork for modern poetry and had a significant impact on various artistic forms, including music.
Atmospheric moods: Atmospheric moods refer to the emotional landscapes and evocative sensations that a piece of art, especially music and poetry, can convey to its audience. In the context of Symbolist poetry and its influence on music, these moods are integral in creating a deep, immersive experience that transcends literal meaning, emphasizing feelings, impressions, and subjective experiences.
Atonal music: Atonal music is a style of composition that avoids establishing a tonal center or key, leading to a more dissonant and ambiguous sound. This approach emerged in the early 20th century as composers sought new means of expression, breaking away from traditional harmonic structures. Atonality often reflects the emotional depth and complexity of modern experiences, making it closely linked to broader artistic movements like Symbolism in poetry.
Béla Bartók: Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and pianist, known for his pioneering work in blending folk music with modernist techniques. His compositions often incorporate elements of Eastern European folk traditions, and he is recognized for his innovative use of rhythm and harmony, which significantly influenced the development of 20th-century music.
Charles Baudelaire: Charles Baudelaire was a French poet and critic, known for his groundbreaking work in the 19th century that laid the foundation for modern poetry. His collection, 'Les Fleurs du mal' (The Flowers of Evil), is a cornerstone of Symbolist literature, exploring themes of beauty, decay, and the complexities of urban life. Baudelaire's influence extends to various artistic movements, especially in how Symbolist poetry shaped music and other forms of art.
Claude Debussy: Claude Debussy was a French composer whose innovative music is often associated with the Impressionist movement, characterized by a focus on atmosphere, color, and fluidity rather than strict form and structure. His works broke traditional boundaries, embracing unique harmonies and textures that reflected his interest in evoking emotions and imagery, paving the way for modern music.
Coloristic harmony: Coloristic harmony refers to the use of unique chords and tonalities in music that create vivid, expressive colors, much like a painter uses a palette of colors. This technique emphasizes the emotional content of the music and often aligns with literary movements that prioritize sensory experience over strict forms. It is especially significant in the context of Symbolist poetry and its influence on music, where artists sought to evoke feelings and imagery rather than convey direct narratives.
Evocation: Evocation refers to the act of bringing forth memories, feelings, or images through artistic means, often creating a vivid sense of atmosphere or emotional response. In the context of Symbolist poetry and music, evocation plays a crucial role as it emphasizes suggestion and impression over direct representation, allowing the audience to experience a deeper connection to the art form through their own interpretations and feelings.
Exotic scales: Exotic scales are musical scales that deviate from the traditional Western major and minor scales, often incorporating elements from non-Western musical traditions. These scales evoke a sense of otherness and can create unique emotional atmospheres in music, serving as a bridge between different cultural influences. Their use in composition can reflect the Symbolist movement’s interest in evoking imagery and emotions through sound, resonating with the poetic ideals of creating vivid and evocative experiences.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of distortion and exaggeration to convey emotional experience rather than physical reality. This movement profoundly impacted various art forms, including music, as it sought to express the inner feelings and anxieties of individuals in a rapidly changing world, often drawing inspiration from Symbolist poetry.
Igor Stravinsky: Igor Stravinsky was a groundbreaking Russian composer known for his innovative contributions to 20th-century music, particularly through his ballets like 'The Firebird,' 'Petrushka,' and 'The Rite of Spring.' His work marked a shift from traditional classical music to modernism, reflecting the influence of Symbolist poetry by emphasizing atmosphere and emotional expression over formal structures.
Impressionism: Impressionism is an artistic movement that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing fleeting moments, light, and color in a way that evokes an emotional response rather than precise details. In music, this movement aimed to create atmospheric effects and expressivity through innovative harmonic language and textures, leading to a departure from traditional forms. Key figures like Debussy and Ravel used impressionistic techniques to develop their unique musical voices, influenced by contemporary art and literature.
Innovative timbres: Innovative timbres refer to the unique and novel sound qualities created through various musical techniques, instruments, and compositional methods. This concept highlights how composers and musicians have sought to explore new sonic textures that go beyond traditional uses of instruments, thereby enhancing emotional expression and thematic depth in music. The drive for innovative timbres often aligns with the artistic movements of the time, such as Symbolism, which emphasized evocative imagery and sensory experience.
Introspection: Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings, often leading to deeper self-awareness and understanding. This concept plays a crucial role in the context of Symbolist poetry, where artists and musicians sought to express inner emotions and subjective experiences, emphasizing personal perception over objective reality.
John Cage: John Cage was an American composer, music theorist, and artist, known for his pioneering work in experimental music and avant-garde practices. His innovative use of chance operations, unconventional instruments, and philosophical approach to sound transformed the landscape of 20th-century music. Cage's influence extends into various art forms, including performance art and multimedia, and he is often associated with movements that embrace spontaneity and the unpredictability of sound.
Maurice Ravel: Maurice Ravel was a French composer known for his innovative contributions to music in the early 20th century, particularly in the realm of Impressionism. His works often display rich textures, intricate harmonies, and a fascination with color and atmosphere, which align him closely with contemporaries like Debussy. Ravel's unique style reflects the influences of Symbolist poetry, showcasing the connection between visual art, poetry, and music during this transformative period.
Melodrama: Melodrama is a dramatic genre that emphasizes exaggerated emotions and sensational events to engage the audience. It often features clear moral distinctions between good and evil characters, with a strong emphasis on pathos, music, and spectacle to amplify emotional responses. In relation to Symbolist poetry and its influence on music, melodrama intertwines with the Symbolists' focus on conveying deep emotions and creating vivid imagery through both language and sound.
Mysticism: Mysticism is a spiritual practice that seeks to achieve a direct, personal experience of the divine or ultimate reality, often transcending ordinary perception and understanding. This concept has deeply influenced various forms of art, including poetry and music, where the goal is to evoke emotions and states of consciousness that connect individuals with something beyond the physical world.
Olivier Messiaen: Olivier Messiaen was a French composer, organist, and music theorist known for his innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and color in music. His work is characterized by a strong spiritual dimension and reflects his fascination with nature, religion, and time, which align closely with the principles of Symbolist poetry that emphasize subjective experience and emotion.
Paul Verlaine: Paul Verlaine was a French poet associated with the Symbolist movement, known for his musicality and evocative imagery in poetry. His work emphasized emotion and mood over strict form, significantly influencing the relationship between poetry and music, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Stéphane Mallarmé: Stéphane Mallarmé was a prominent French poet known for his significant contributions to Symbolist literature and his complex, innovative use of language. His work influenced not only poetry but also the realms of music, especially in the context of Impressionism, as composers sought to translate his elusive imagery and thematic depth into sound.
Suggestion: In the context of Symbolist poetry and its influence on music, suggestion refers to the art of implying or hinting at emotions, ideas, or images without explicit description. This technique encourages listeners and readers to engage their imaginations, allowing for personal interpretations that evoke deeper emotional responses.
Symbolist poetry: Symbolist poetry is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of symbolic imagery and emotional resonance to evoke meanings and sensations beyond literal interpretation. This movement sought to express the inexpressible, focusing on individual perception and experiences, often drawing from nature, dreams, and emotions, which in turn influenced various art forms, including music.
Synesthesia: Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to involuntary experiences in another sensory pathway. This phenomenon can manifest in various forms, such as seeing colors when hearing music or tasting flavors when reading words, creating unique cross-sensory experiences. In the context of Symbolist poetry and its influence on music, synesthesia plays a crucial role in how emotions and imagery are conveyed, allowing artists to merge different sensory experiences to evoke deeper emotional responses.
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