Impressionism and Early Entertainment

Study Notes

Gramaphone and Radio

Gramaphone invented in 1890, making recorded music accessible to both middle and lower classes.
First commercial radio broadcast occurred in 1920, revolutionizing mass communication.

Impressionism in Art and Music

Impressionism, a painting movement that emerged in France during the 1860s, emphasizes the shifting effects of color and light.
Impressionist music is characterized by refinement, delicacy, and vagueness, creating a hazy atmosphere with a dreamlike quality.

Notable Works in Impressionism

"At the Races" created between 1877-1880 exemplifies the movement's style.
Key music compositions include Debussy's "Nocturne" (1892) and "La Mer" (1905), and Ravel's "Bolero."

Dr. Antonio Molina

Renowned figure from the Philippines contributing to impressionist music.

Claude Debussy

Born on August 22, 1862, in France to Manuel-Achille Debussy and Victorine Manoury.
Began formal music education at age 10 at Paris Conservatoire; first public exposure to music occurred in 1870-1871 during a visit to Cannes.
Debussy studied under Jean Francois at age 10 and won the Prix de Rome in 1884 for "The Prodigal Child."
Renowned works include "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" (1892), "Claire de Lune" (1890), and "Engulfed Cathedral" (1910).

Maurice Ravel

Born on March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, France, to Marie Delourat and Joseph Ravel; family moved to Paris shortly after his baptism.
Began piano lessons at age 7 with Henry Ghys, who recognized his musical intelligence.
Ravel’s first public performance was on June 2, 1889, followed by admission to the conservatoire in November 1889.
Famous for compositions such as "La Valse," "Miroirs," and "Ma Mère L'Oie."

Expressionism

Modernist movement originating in Germany during the 20th century, focusing on strong emotional expression in art and poetry.
Expressionism in music encompasses feelings such as anxiety and isolation, influencing various composers.

Arnold Schoenberg

Born in Austria on September 13, 1874, and died in Los Angeles on July 13, 1951.
Developed a revolutionary method of organizing music based on a twelve-tone scale, abandoning traditional tonality.
Known for the radical sounds of his compositions and introducing the twelve-semitone technique.

Key Compositions

Schoenberg’s "Three Piano Pieces" represents his first original composition (1894).
"Pierrot Lunaire" showcases the Sprechstimme style, which is a blend of singing and speaking.

Description

Explore the fascinating connection between Impressionism in art and music alongside the evolution of early entertainment technologies like the gramophone and radio. This quiz covers key figures, historical milestones, and the cultural impact of these movements from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.