Expressionism and The Scream

What type of painting is 'The Scream' considered to be?

Which artist is most closely associated with the early application of Expressionism in music?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Expressionism music?

What emotional themes are commonly found in Expressionist art and music?

Which of the following statements about Expressionism is accurate?

What does dissonance refer to in music?

How does Expressionist music often convey emotions?

Which of the following aspects contributes to the extreme dynamics in Expressionist music?

What is the primary aim of Expressionist music?

Which composer was notably influenced by Richard Wagner?

At what age did Arnold Schoenberg begin learning the violin?

Which of the following pieces is associated with Arnold Schoenberg?

How did Arnold Schoenberg learn music theory?

In terms of musical expression, how does Impressionism primarily differ from Expressionism?

What is 'A Survivor from Warsaw' known for?

What two elements are commonly compared when discussing Impressionism and Expressionism?

Expressionism in Art and Music

“The Scream” (1893) is a seminal Expressionist painting by Edvard Munch, showcasing intense emotions.
Expressionism originated in visual arts and literature, characterized by vivid distortion of colors and shapes to depict strong feelings.

Characteristics of Expressionism

Expressionism focuses on profound emotions, often reflecting inner turmoil, anxiety, and spirituality.
Subjects typically explored in Expressionist works include fantasy, violence, and anxiety.

Expressionism in Music

The term Expressionism was first applied to music around 1918, notably to Arnold Schoenberg.
Expressionist music diverges from traditional forms, channeling deep-seated human emotions and subconscious fears.

Musical Features

High levels of dissonance create an unstable sound quality, contributing to emotional intensity.
Constantly changing textures and extreme contrasts in dynamics, from pianissimo (very soft) to fortissimo (very loud), characterize the music.
Melodies and harmonies are often distorted to enhance emotional expression.

Arnold Schoenberg

Born on September 13, 1874, in Vienna, Austria; a pivotal figure in Expressionist music.
Schoenberg started learning the violin at age nine and was largely self-taught in music theory.
His compositional style was influenced by German composer Richard Wagner and Claude Debussy.
Known works include "Pelleas et Melisande, Op. 5" (1903) and "A Survivor from Warsaw, Op. 46" (1947).

Comparison with Impressionism

Expressionism aims to express emotional anguish, while Impressionism focuses on capturing fleeting moments and sensory impressions.
Students can compare and contrast both movements by filling out a Venn diagram highlighting differences and similarities in themes, techniques, and emotional focus.

Emotional Expression in Music

Expressionist music often serves to articulate feelings of pain and turmoil, drawing listeners into the emotional narrative of the piece.
Selecting songs that embody these themes can illustrate the impact of Expressionist techniques in contemporary music.

Explore the emotional depth of Edvard Munch's iconic painting, 'The Scream'. This quiz delves into the movement of Expressionism, its origins, and its impact on art. Test your knowledge about one of Norway’s most influential artists and the themes behind his work.