Modern Art and Music: Impressionism, Minimalism, and Stravinsky's Eras

Impressionism: Art of the Ephemeral

During the Third Republic, Paris solidified its status as the European capital of culture. Impressionism, primarily a movement in painting, emerged during this period.

The Impressionist artist was fundamentally anti-Romantic, positioning the movement in opposition to realism. The core philosophy suggests that to understand reality, one must break it down. This decomposition manifests in:

• Painting: Decomposition into colors and light.
• Music: Decomposition into whole-tone scales and new timbres.
• Poetry: Seeking the "color" of words (Symbolism).

Impressionism is defined as the art of the ephemeral, based on immediate sensory impressions. The movement gained its name in 1872 when a Claude Monet painting, Impression, Sunrise (or Impression, soleil levant), was exhibited.

Musical Impressionism sought new timbres, unique effects, and the juxtaposition of sound planes.

Minimalism in Music

In the world of music, Minimalism refers to compositions that typically display several key characteristics:

• Repetition of short musical phrases, often with minimal variations over extended periods.
• Stasis (slow moving or stagnant quality), frequently utilizing drones and long tones.
• Emphasis on tonal harmony.
• A constant, steady pulse.

The first composition widely considered a minimalist work was In C (1964) by Terry Riley. This was followed by influential works from composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass, among others.

Minimalist music may share sonic similarities with various forms of electronic music, as well as certain texture-based compositions, such as some works by György Ligeti.

Igor Stravinsky: Six Stylistic Periods

Igor Stravinsky's long career is typically divided into six distinct stylistic periods:

1. Primitive or Russian Period (1900–1909)

   These early works show influences from his teacher, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and other Russian composers.

2. Period of the Great Ballets (c. 1909–1914)

   This era begins with the three major ballets commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev. These compositions, based on Russian folklore, require large orchestras and demonstrate strong influences from Rimsky-Korsakov. Key works include The Firebird and Petrushka.

3. Ascetic Period (c. 1914–1920)

   Marked by a return to simplicity without sacrificing modernity. Notable works include Renard, The Soldier's Tale, and Les Noces (The Wedding).

4. Neoclassical Period (c. 1920–1954)

   Stravinsky returned to the forms and aesthetics of classical masters like Mozart, Bach, and Pergolesi. Major compositions include Pulcinella and Octet for Wind Instruments. The focus shifts toward wind instruments, piano, choir, and chamber music.

5. Serialist Period (c. 1954–1968)

   Following Arnold Schoenberg's death, Stravinsky began utilizing the twelve-tone technique in his compositions, starting with small choral pieces and later applying it to major works. This period includes the ballet Agon.

6. Mystical/Religious Period (Late Works)

   In his final years, Stravinsky focused on religious music, composing works such as a requiem.