The influence of Symbolism in music
- The sound of Experiment
- Jul 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Written by Anthi Georgiadou (translated from Greek)
Presented on 07.09.2022 at Rodon FM radio station
1. Introduction
Symbolism can be defined as the practice or art of using an object or word to represent an abstract idea. An action, a person, a place, a word, or an object can have symbolic meanings. When writers want to suggest a specific mood or emotion, they use symbols to imply it rather than stating it explicitly. There are many examples of symbolism in literature and the arts, as well as in everyday life [13].
European Symbolism was a complex movement [1]. It was particularly established in French and Russian literature from 1886 to 1896 and from 1894 to around 1914, respectively. As a reaction against naturalistic and materialistic tendencies, French Symbolism manifested primarily in poetry and flourished in the Parisian gatherings organized by Mallarmé. Wagner is considered a catalyst in literary Symbolism [2].
2. Starting Point
European Symbolism originated in England from the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, then moved to France, back to England with the Aesthetes movement, and later occupied a significant position in Russian culture. Regardless of the country, Symbolism was based on a specific worldview or even philosophy expressed in different art forms in different countries. In England, this movement was more notable in painting and poetry, while in France and Russia, it extended to literature, art, and music [1].
3. Art forms that were influenced by Symbolism
Modernism faithfully cultivated the ideal of the self-contained, introspective, and autonomous text, both in poetry and prose. This resulted in attracting the attention of pioneering movements that flourished in the early decades of the 20th century. Symbolism, as a movement, significantly influenced literature, art, music, and intellectual thought [1].
4. The influence of Symbolism in music
In music, the Symbolist movement, although it had a significant impact, was only recognized in recent years for its influence. For many years, Symbolism was a concept limited to literature [2].
In the language of contemporary music, Donald Mitchell proposed that Cézanne and Debussy had surpassed their popular reputation as Impressionists [2].
In contrast to Romantic art, this music "does not speak of the individuality of man, but of what is deepest within him” [2].
5. Music Examples
5.1. Pelleas et Melisande – Ντεμπισί (1898)
The opera "Pelléas et Mélisande" is a five-act work [4. It is a unique, timeless piece. It is a bit like its characters, evolving in another world, lost in the midst of an endless dream, in a hypnotic music that serves as a hazy mirror image. When he wrote it, Debussy claimed that it was "an opera after Wagner, not inspired by Wagner." [3]
The plot of the work revolves around a love triangle. Prince Golaud finds Mélisande, a mysterious young woman lost in a forest. He marries her and brings her back to the castle of his grandfather, King Arkel of Allemonde. Here, Mélisande becomes increasingly connected to Golaud's younger half-brother, Pelléas, provoking Golaud's jealousy. Golaud tries to uncover the truth about Pelléas and Mélisande's relationship, even forcing his own child, Yniold, to spy on the couple. Pelléas decides to depart from the castle but arranges to meet Mélisande one last time, and they both finally confess their love for each other. Golaud, who has been eavesdropping, rushes in and kills Pelléas. Mélisande dies shortly after, having given birth to a daughter, as Golaud still begs her to tell him “The truth." [4]
5.2. La Chanson d'Eve – Φωρ (1906-1910)
La chanson d'Ève, Op. 95, is a song cycle by Gabriel Fauré, consisting of ten memorials for voice and piano. It was composed between 1906 and 1910 and is based on the eponymous poetry collection by Charles van Lerberghe. It is Fauré's largest song cycle [6].
5.3. Nachtzauber – Ούγκο Βολφ (1887)
The work "Nachtzauber" is a musical setting of the poem by Eichendorff. The poem envisions music as the original "melody of nature." Wolf's contribution is not a tonal tableau of the night's nature, but an invocation of our mystical unity with Nature. Its strong atmospheric chromatic character, changing tonality, and hazy sense of key remind many critics of the processes later favored by Debussy [2].
youtube.com/watch?v=EAD4mEa0a_M
5.4. An die Hoffnung op. 124– Μαξ Ρέγκερ (1912)
The work "In Hopes" is a song for alto or mezzo-soprano and orchestra. It is a musical setting of a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin [10].
youtube.com/watch?v=Dcv5XrVwnLA
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that symbolism had a significant influence on music. The influence of Symbolism on music can be observed in the exploration of subjective themes, the use of expressive harmonies, the adoption of impressionistic aesthetics, the poetic inspiration, and the departure from traditional narrative structures. Symbolist composers expanded the expressive possibilities of music and contributed to the development of new musical languages and styles.
References
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