The art movement of Maximalism and its impact on music
- The sound of Experiment
- Sep 2, 2022
- 4 min read
Written by Anthi Georgiadou
02.09.2022
Presented at Rodon FM
1. Introduction
The term maximalism is often associated with postmodern novels, such as those by David Foster Wallace (1962-2008) and Thomas Penson (1937-) where digression, reference, and elaboration of details occupy a significant part of the text [1].
2. Arts affected by Maximalism
The movement of maximalism influenced most forms of art. In the plastic arts, artists influenced by maximalism are associated with the turbulent principles of neo-expressionism in the late 1970s [1].
3. Main Part
3.1 In music
In music, Richard Taruskin (1945-2022) used the term maximalism to describe the modernism of the period from 1890 to 1914, especially in German-speaking regions. He described it as "a radical intensification of the means for acceptable or traditional purposes" [1, 2]. From the point of view of the cultural phase, it was called fin de siècle not only because it coincided with the end of a century, but because it reflected apocalyptic presentations [3]. The composer David A. Jaffe defined contemporary maximalist music as the one that "embraces heterogeneity and allows for complex systems of confrontations and conflicts, in which all external influences are potential raw material [1]. Richard Topp considers that musical maximalism "should be understood at least in part as anti-minimalism" [1].
3.2. End of maximalism
The utter failure of maximalism as a means of renewal, however great or valuable its products may be, was implicit in its own conditions. Eventually,boundaries are discovered. The English composer Havergal Brian (1876-1972) set the maximalist limit for symphonies (according to the principle in such matters, Guiness Records) [5].
4. Notable Compositions
4.1 Symphony number 2 in C Minor – Mahler
A notable song of the maximalist movement is titled "symphony number 2 in C minor" by composer Gustav Mahler. Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was an Austrian composer of late romantic music [11]. He is considered the quintessential representative of maximalism. His work justifies the invention of the term maximalism [4]. Symphony Number 2 in C Minor by Mahler is perhaps the best possible depiction of maximalism and the most vivid model of symphonic maximalism. The symphony was written over six years, starting in 1888. Its first complete execution took place in 1895 [2].
4.2. String Quartet Number 2 - Charles Ives
Charles Ives wrote the work “string quartet number 2” between 1907 and 1913. Charles Ives (1874-1954) was an important American composer [14]. String Quartet Number 2 is a programmatic work that depicts four men discussing it. According to the dramatic perception suggested by the titles of the movements, Ives treats the four instruments with an unprecedented degree of individuality: each has its particular character, and the overall quality of the work results from a kind of forced fusion of the four different structural elements of the texture" [13].
4.3. Call Any Vegetable - Frank Zappa
Call any vegetable was written by Frank Zappa. Zappa's music has often been accused of being too noisy and containing too many notes. Due to their density and complexity, his sound sculptures have alternately excited and alienated several generations of critics and listeners. Zappa stands out as one of the most prolific artists of the 20th century, a composer whose pure musical output could dwell on maximalist extravagance. His efforts to embrace different genres and creative practices (rock, jazz, blues, orchestral music, cinema, opera,...) have often intersected as a bulimic desire to explore all the ways and styles of the past and present, to create strongly contrasting musical collages and to establish his reputation as an underdog in both the rock and art music community [6]. "Call Any Vegetable" by Zappa, which, like many of Ives' compositions, seeks to convey "the musical illusion of several bands parading into each other" [6].
4.4. Three Piano Compositions - Milton Babbitt
Three Piano compositions was written by Milton Babbitt. Milton Babbitt (1916–2011) was an American composer, music theorist, mathematician, and teacher. He has been described as a "declared maximalist." His goal is "to make music as much as it can be and not as little as one can escape" [1]. The work of three compositions for piano holds a special place in the history's chronology of classical music [15].
4.5. Short Ride in a Fast Machine – John Adams
Composer John Adams wrote A short walk on a fast-paced machine. John Adams (1947) is an American composer and conductor whose music is based on minimalism [17]. The work short walk on a fast machine is an orchestral work in which the composer applies the description "fanfare for orchestra". The work is an example of Adams' post-minimalist style, which is also used in other works. A typical interpretation of the work takes about four and a half minutes [16].
5. Conclusion
From what we discussed in today's blog, we can understand that musical maximalism embraced heterogeneity and allowed for complex systems of confrontations and conflicts, in which all external influences can be potential raw material [1].
6. References
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