During a lecture, I recently learned the differentiation between Expressionism and Impressionism. Impressionistic music first took its spin on music in 1918. Being a sound that is not trying to grab the listener attention and aims to fit a mood or aesthetic. Theodore Adorno stated “eliminate all of traditional music’s conventional elements, everything formulaically rigid. In contrast to expressionist music which presents different levels and pitches throughout the piece.
Admittedly I came to realise that all the pieces I make and the most definite expressionist pieces of art. From this, I would like to experiment more with the field of impressionistic music. It fascinates me how despite there being fewer elements to attract your attention, it still holds the power to be something so atmospheric and moving. A blend of sounds can be as beautiful and thought-provoking as an expressionist can. Although within expressionism it is easier to create a specific mood with individual elements such as speed, pitch or instruments; impressionism leaves a space for the listener to reflect. Without their attention being constantly grabbed the free space and sound levels within the music send the listener into their self-reflection to provoke any mood they want. Its effects are more internal than expressionist.
In the future, I hope to try and create more impressionist sound pieces and learn more examples.