Lulu

Definition

Lulu is an opera composed by Alban Berg that is significant for its innovative use of atonality and serialism. The opera is based on Frank Wedekind's plays 'Erdgeist' and 'Die Büchse der Pandora', portraying the life of a seductive woman named Lulu who ultimately leads to her own downfall. The work exemplifies the techniques of atonality and serialism that characterize much of 20th-century music, particularly in its complex harmonic structures and the absence of a traditional tonal center.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lulu was composed between 1929 and 1935 and is considered one of the most important works in the operatic repertoire of the 20th century.
2. The opera is known for its complex characterizations and psychological depth, particularly in the portrayal of Lulu as both a victim and a manipulator.
3. Berg utilized the twelve-tone technique throughout the opera, which allows for thematic development while maintaining an atonal framework.
4. Lulu remains unfinished, as Berg passed away before he could complete the final act; however, the existing sections are often performed and studied.
5. The work sparked debates about the role of women in society and the implications of desire, power, and morality in a changing world.

Review Questions

• How does Lulu exemplify the principles of atonality and serialism in its composition?
  • Lulu exemplifies atonality through its lack of a central key, allowing for emotional expression without the constraints of traditional tonality. Berg's use of serialism is evident in how he structures melodies and harmonies based on twelve-tone techniques, which provide coherence despite the absence of traditional musical forms. This innovative approach creates a complex sound world that enhances the dramatic narrative, reflecting Lulu's tumultuous character.
• Discuss how the character of Lulu is portrayed in relation to themes of power and manipulation within the context of modernist opera.
  • The character of Lulu embodies themes of power and manipulation as she navigates her relationships with men, often using her sexuality to exert control. Her actions reflect societal views on gender dynamics during the early 20th century, revealing how women's roles were both constrained and challenged. Lulu's journey highlights the complexity of female agency, portraying her as both a victim of societal expectations and a shrewd manipulator, leading to her tragic end.
• Evaluate how Lulu fits into the broader context of 20th-century music trends regarding atonality and serialism, especially in its impact on subsequent composers.
  • Lulu stands as a pivotal work within 20th-century music due to its bold integration of atonality and serialism, influencing many composers who followed. By pushing the boundaries of operatic form and expression, Berg established new possibilities for dramatic storytelling through music. Its impact can be seen in how later composers adopted similar techniques to explore psychological depth and complex emotional narratives, further evolving the landscape of contemporary classical music.

Related terms

Atonality:

Atonality refers to music that lacks a tonal center or key, creating a sense of freedom and ambiguity in harmonic structure.

Serialism:

Serialism is a method of composition that uses a series of values to manipulate various musical elements, often employing twelve-tone techniques to organize pitches.

Twelve-tone technique: A compositional system developed by Arnold Schoenberg where all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale are arranged in a specific order, forming a basis for melodic and harmonic material.