6.2 Impressionism and Symbolism
4 min read•august 15, 2024
and revolutionized music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These movements broke away from Romantic traditions, creating atmospheric soundscapes and exploring abstract concepts through innovative harmonies, timbres, and forms.
Key composers like Debussy and Scriabin pushed musical boundaries, drawing inspiration from visual art and literature. Their works featured , unconventional harmonies, and evocative orchestration, paving the way for 20th-century musical experimentation and modernism.
Impressionism and Symbolism in Music
Characteristics and Influences
Top images from around the web for Characteristics and Influences
File:Edouard Manet 058.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Impressionismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Debussy 1893.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Edouard Manet 058.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Impressionismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Characteristics and Influences
File:Edouard Manet 058.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Impressionismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Debussy 1893.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Edouard Manet 058.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Impressionismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Impressionism focuses on creating atmospheric and evocative soundscapes inspired by visual art, nature, and fleeting moments
- Symbolism emphasizes musical elements to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or spiritual concepts beyond literal interpretation
- Both movements reject strict formal structures and emotional intensity of Romanticism
- Impressionist music features fluid rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and emphasis on timbre and texture to create ambiguity
- Symbolist music incorporates literary or mythological themes, using complex harmonic structures and innovative orchestration
- Impressionist composers employ , whole-tone scales, and pentatonic scales for tonal ambiguity
- Symbolist music utilizes leitmotifs (recurring musical themes associated with specific characters, ideas, or emotions) to create cohesive narrative structure
Musical Techniques and Elements
- Impressionist harmony incorporates extended chords, parallel chord progressions, and
- Symbolist harmony uses chromaticism, dissonance, and unconventional chord progressions
- Timbre plays crucial role in Impressionism (exploiting unique instrument colors and innovative orchestration)
- Symbolist composers use timbre symbolically (associating specific instrumental colors with concepts or characters)
- Impressionist form favors fluid, through-composed, or loosely episodic structures
- Symbolist music may employ more structured forms, often subverted or manipulated to serve symbolic content
- Both movements use programmatic elements (connecting musical gestures to extra-musical ideas)
- Impressionists focus on sensory experiences
- Symbolists explore abstract concepts
Literary and Artistic Connections
- Impressionist music draws inspiration from visual art movements (Monet, Renoir)
- Symbolist composers influenced by literary works of Symbolist poets (, )
- Rich interplay between music and literature in both movements
- Visual artists like Odilon Redon and Gustave Moreau influenced Symbolist composers
- Impressionist composers often titled works after natural phenomena or landscapes (Debussy's "")
- Symbolist works frequently incorporate mythological or mystical themes (Scriabin's "")
Key Composers and Works
Impressionist Composers and Compositions
- (primary figure of musical Impressionism)
- "" (orchestral work inspired by Mallarmé's poem)
- "La Mer" (symphonic suite depicting the sea)
- "" (piano piece evoking moonlight)
- "Pelléas et Mélisande" (opera with Impressionist techniques)
- (prominent Impressionist composer)
- "" (ballet with lush orchestration)
- "Pavane pour une infante défunte" (piano piece later orchestrated)
- "Jeux d'eau" (piano work imitating water sounds)
- "Boléro" (orchestral piece with gradual buildup)
- (associated with Impressionism and early modernism)
- "Gymnopédies" (set of three piano compositions)
- "Gnossiennes" (series of piano works with unconventional notation)
- "Parade" (ballet with avant-garde elements)
Symbolist Composers and Works
- (leading Symbolist composer)
- "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire" (orchestral work with color organ)
- Late piano sonatas (exploring mystical themes)
- "The Poem of Ecstasy" (symphony with theosophical influences)
- (influenced Symbolism through operas)
- "Der Ring des Nibelungen" (cycle of four operas with extensive use of leitmotifs)
- "" (opera pushing boundaries of traditional tonality)
- (incorporated Impressionist and Symbolist elements)
- "" (tone poem)
- "A Village Romeo and Juliet" (opera with Impressionist orchestration)
Other Notable Composers
- Ottorino Respighi (Italian composer with Impressionist influences)
- "Fountains of Rome" (symphonic poem)
- "Pines of Rome" (orchestral work depicting Roman landscapes)
- Manuel de Falla (Spanish composer with Impressionist techniques)
- "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" (nocturnes for piano and orchestra)
- "El amor brujo" (ballet incorporating Spanish folk elements)
- Karol Szymanowski (Polish composer blending Impressionism and Symbolism)
- "" (piano cycle inspired by Greek mythology)
- "King Roger" (opera with Symbolist themes)
Harmony, Timbre, and Form in Impressionism vs Symbolism
Harmonic Techniques
- Impressionist harmony creates tonal ambiguity and color
- Extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths)
- Parallel chord progressions (planing)
- Non-functional harmony (chords used for color rather than traditional progression)
- Use of modes and exotic scales (whole-tone, pentatonic)
- Symbolist harmony represents abstract ideas or emotions
- Complex chromaticism (extensive use of accidentals)
- Increased dissonance (unresolved tensions)
- Unconventional chord progressions (avoiding traditional cadences)
- Extreme modulations (rapid shifts between distant keys)
Timbral Exploration
- Impressionist timbre focuses on atmospheric effects
- Innovative orchestration techniques (unusual instrument combinations)
- Exploitation of instrument ranges (extreme high or low registers)
- Use of mutes and other sound-altering techniques
- Emphasis on blended sounds rather than distinct lines
- Symbolist timbre serves symbolic purposes
- Specific instrumental colors associated with concepts or characters
- Use of unusual instruments or extended techniques
- Extreme contrasts in dynamics and texture
- Integration of non-traditional sound sources (Scriabin's color organ)
Formal Structures
- Impressionist forms favor fluidity and suggestion
- Through-composed structures (continuous development without clear sections)
- Loosely episodic forms (series of connected but distinct musical ideas)
- Avoidance of traditional sonata or rondo forms
- Use of ostinato patterns for cohesion (Ravel's "Boléro")
- Symbolist forms manipulate traditional structures
- Subversion of expected formal patterns
- Cyclical forms (themes recurring across movements)
- Integration of literary or programmatic elements into musical structure
- Use of leitmotifs to create narrative coherence (Wagner's operas)
Key Terms to Review (30)
Alexander Scriabin: Alexander Scriabin was a Russian composer and pianist, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his innovative and mystical approach to music. His works reflect a blend of Romanticism and early modernism, incorporating complex harmonies and new tonal systems, often inspired by philosophy, mysticism, and spirituality, linking him closely to the concepts of Impressionism and Symbolism.
Ambiguous tonality: Ambiguous tonality refers to a lack of clear tonal center or key in a piece of music, creating an uncertain or indistinct harmonic framework. This musical feature is often found in the works of composers associated with Impressionism and Symbolism, where the emphasis shifts from traditional tonal structures to evoking moods and atmospheres. The use of ambiguous tonality enhances the subjective experience of music, allowing for varied interpretations and emotional responses from the listener.
Clair de lune: Clair de lune, which translates to 'light of the moon' in French, is the title of a famous piano piece by Claude Debussy that is part of his Suite Bergamasque. This composition embodies the characteristics of Impressionism in music, marked by its evocative atmosphere and subtle nuances. The piece reflects a Romantic sensibility, featuring rich emotional expression and lyrical melodies, making it a bridge between Romanticism and Impressionism.
Claude Debussy: Claude Debussy was a French composer known for being a pioneer of Impressionism in music, which emphasizes atmosphere and mood over traditional structure and form. His innovative use of harmony, texture, and timbre transformed the landscape of Western classical music, creating a new musical language that departed from the emotional expressiveness of Romanticism.
Coloristic effects: Coloristic effects refer to the use of tone color, or timbre, to create vivid imagery and evoke emotional responses in music. This technique is especially prominent in the styles of Impressionism and Symbolism, where composers sought to move beyond traditional harmonic structures and instead focus on the sensory experience of sound, often using unique instrumental combinations and innovative playing techniques.
Daphnis et Chloé: Daphnis et Chloé is a ballet score composed by Maurice Ravel, first premiered in 1912. The work is based on the ancient Greek novel by Longus and encapsulates the essence of Impressionism and Symbolism through its lush orchestration, evocative themes, and the exploration of nature and love. Ravel's composition is known for its rich textures and innovative harmonic language, which contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere of the narrative.
Erik Satie: Erik Satie was a French composer and pianist, known for his innovative and eccentric compositions that laid the groundwork for modern music. He is often associated with the movement of Impressionism, which emphasizes atmosphere and emotion over traditional musical forms, and Symbolism, where he used music to evoke imagery and feelings rather than convey direct meaning.
Extended harmonies: Extended harmonies refer to chords that go beyond the traditional triads and seventh chords by incorporating additional notes, such as the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth. This approach enriches the harmonic texture and creates a more complex sound, often associated with Impressionism and Symbolism. These extended chords can evoke a wide range of emotions and create atmospheres that are crucial to the aesthetic of these movements in music.
Fluid rhythms: Fluid rhythms refer to a style of rhythmic expression characterized by flexible and flowing patterns that create a sense of movement and change. This rhythmic approach is often found in music that emphasizes emotion and atmosphere, aligning with the broader artistic goals of creating an immersive experience.
Frederick Delius: Frederick Delius was an English composer known for his unique contributions to the world of music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially within the realms of Impressionism and Symbolism. His works often evoke vivid imagery and emotions, blending lush harmonies with rich orchestral textures, which reflect the ideals of these artistic movements. Delius's music frequently draws inspiration from nature, portraying landscapes and emotional states in a way that resonates with the principles of Impressionism.
Impressionism: Impressionism is a late 19th-century art and music movement that emphasizes capturing the immediate effects of light and color, often creating a sense of spontaneity and atmosphere. This style seeks to convey emotions and experiences rather than detailed realism, using innovative techniques to evoke sensations and impressions of a moment in time.
La mer: La mer, which translates to 'the sea' in French, is a significant orchestral composition by Claude Debussy that exemplifies the Impressionist movement in music. This work showcases Debussy's innovative approach to sound and texture, reflecting the beauty and nuances of the sea through fluid melodies and rich harmonies. The piece captures both the visual imagery of the ocean and the emotional responses it evokes, aligning closely with the characteristics of Impressionism and Symbolism.
Leitmotif: A leitmotif is a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea in a musical work. It serves to enhance storytelling by providing an emotional or narrative context, helping listeners connect with the music on a deeper level. This concept became especially significant in Romantic music and later in film scores, where composers used motifs to create continuity and emotional resonance throughout their compositions.
Maurice Ravel: Maurice Ravel was a French composer known for his contributions to early 20th-century music, particularly within the realms of impressionism and neoclassicism. His innovative use of orchestration and harmony, along with his intricate piano compositions, helped to shape modern music while reflecting the emotional depth characteristic of earlier romantic works.
Métopes: Métopes are the rectangular panels between the triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often adorned with relief sculptures. They served both decorative and narrative purposes, showcasing mythological scenes or significant events that aligned with the values of the culture that created them. This artistic feature connects closely to broader movements in art, such as Impressionism and Symbolism, where visual storytelling and emotional expression became paramount.
Mood painting: Mood painting refers to a technique in music where composers use specific musical elements to evoke particular emotions and atmospheres. This method is often seen in the works of composers who aim to create vivid, sensory experiences that resonate with listeners, making them feel like they are part of a scene or narrative. In this context, mood painting helps to express abstract ideas and feelings, bridging the gap between visual art and music.
Non-functional harmony: Non-functional harmony refers to a musical approach where chords do not follow traditional rules of progression, lacking a clear sense of resolution or tonal hierarchy. This style allows composers to explore textures, colors, and emotions without being bound by conventional harmonic structures, which is a significant characteristic of certain musical movements.
On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring is a composition by Frederick Delius that embodies the essence of Impressionism in music. The piece captures the tranquility and beauty of spring through lush harmonies and evocative melodies, reflecting the Symbolist movement's focus on nature and emotion. Delius's work illustrates how music can convey feelings associated with natural phenomena, using orchestral color and atmosphere to paint a vivid auditory picture.
Paul Verlaine: Paul Verlaine was a French poet known for his significant role in the Symbolist movement and his contributions to Impressionism in literature. His work is characterized by musicality, emotional depth, and a focus on the fleeting moments of life, often exploring themes of love, nature, and melancholy. Verlaine's innovative style influenced many poets and is closely associated with the aesthetic principles that defined both Symbolism and Impressionism.
Pentatonic scale: The pentatonic scale is a musical scale consisting of five notes per octave, which is often used in various musical traditions around the world. This scale's structure allows for a wide range of melodies and harmonies while maintaining a sense of simplicity and universality, making it prominent in styles from folk music to contemporary genres. It typically avoids half steps, creating a sound that is both pleasing and easy to sing.
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune: prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune is a symphonic poem composed by Claude Debussy in 1894, inspired by the poem of the same name by Stéphane Mallarmé. This piece is often seen as a landmark work of Impressionism in music, characterized by its innovative use of harmony and texture, as well as its exploration of sensuality and nature, aligning closely with the principles of Symbolism in literature.
Programmatic music: Programmatic music is a type of instrumental music that aims to evoke a specific narrative, scene, or idea, often linked to literature or visual art. This genre became particularly popular during the Romantic era and later influenced the Impressionist movement, where composers sought to convey emotions and imagery without using words.
Prometheus: The Poem of Fire: Prometheus: The Poem of Fire is a musical composition by the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, created in 1910. This piece is notable for its innovative use of colors and light, intended to evoke emotional responses and connect deeply with the themes of Impressionism and Symbolism, showcasing a blend of music and visual art.
Richard Wagner: Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, and theorist known for his revolutionary contributions to opera and music in the 19th century. He is best recognized for his operas, which combined music, drama, and visual arts in innovative ways, setting the stage for modern musical storytelling and influencing the development of Romantic opera. His ideas on Gesamtkunstwerk, or total artwork, brought forth new ways of thinking about the unity of music and drama, impacting both composers and the theatrical landscape.
Stéphane Mallarmé: Stéphane Mallarmé was a French poet and a pivotal figure in the Symbolist movement, known for his innovative use of language and exploration of abstract concepts. His work often emphasized the power of suggestion and evocation rather than direct representation, influencing various art forms including music, painting, and literature during the late 19th century.
Symbolism: Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the use of symbols to express ideas and emotions indirectly. This approach focuses on suggesting meanings rather than stating them outright, allowing for a deeper exploration of themes like nature, dreams, and the human experience, often seen in connection with impressionism in music and visual arts.
Synesthesia: Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway. This phenomenon allows individuals to perceive sounds as colors or associate specific tastes with certain words, creating a blend of sensory experiences. It connects deeply with Impressionism and Symbolism as artists and composers often sought to evoke feelings and perceptions that transcended traditional boundaries of sensory experience.
Textural layering: Textural layering refers to the technique of combining multiple musical lines or layers to create a rich and complex sound. This approach is prominent in various artistic movements, where different musical elements are woven together to evoke emotions and sensations, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the piece.
Tristan und Isolde: Tristan und Isolde is an opera composed by Richard Wagner, which tells the tragic love story of the knight Tristan and the Irish princess Isolde. This work is often viewed as a landmark in music history, representing a transition toward Impressionism and Symbolism due to its innovative use of harmony, orchestration, and thematic elements that explore the depths of human emotion and desire.
Whole tone scale: A whole tone scale is a musical scale consisting entirely of whole steps, with no half steps between notes. This scale creates a unique sound that is often associated with the Impressionist movement in music, as it evokes an atmosphere of ambiguity and dreaminess, reflecting the emotional and aesthetic ideals of that period.