Sturm und drang

Definition

Sturm und Drang, translating to 'storm and stress', was a German literary and musical movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotional intensity, individualism, and the exploration of human experience. It served as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and laid the groundwork for later Romantic ideals by focusing on raw emotion and the sublime aspects of nature. This movement influenced various art forms, including music, which began to reflect more dramatic contrasts and expressive depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sturm und Drang emerged in Germany in the 1760s and became prominent in literature and music during the late 18th century.
2. The movement rejected the strict rules and rationalism of previous styles, embracing spontaneity and emotional expression.
3. In music, Sturm und Drang is characterized by sudden contrasts in dynamics and tempo, creating dramatic effects.
4. Composers like Haydn and early Beethoven were influenced by Sturm und Drang, incorporating its emotional depth into their works.
5. The legacy of Sturm und Drang paved the way for the Romantic movement, influencing composers to focus on personal expression and emotive storytelling.

Review Questions

• How did Sturm und Drang challenge the principles of earlier musical styles?
  • Sturm und Drang challenged earlier musical styles by rejecting their structured forms and rationality. Instead, it introduced a focus on raw emotion and individual expression, creating more dramatic contrasts within pieces. This shift allowed composers to explore themes of nature's power and human emotion in ways that previous styles had not permitted.
• Discuss how Empfindsamer Stil is related to Sturm und Drang in terms of emotional expression in music.
  • Empfindsamer Stil shares a deep connection with Sturm und Drang through its focus on emotional expression and sensitivity. Both styles prioritize the portrayal of feelings over strict adherence to form or structure. While Empfindsamer Stil is often more introspective and gentle, Sturm und Drang leans towards dramatic contrasts and intensity, creating a rich tapestry of emotional experiences in music.
• Evaluate the impact of Sturm und Drang on the development of Romanticism in music and literature.
  • Sturm und Drang had a profound impact on the development of Romanticism by laying the groundwork for future artistic movements. Its emphasis on intense emotion, individual experience, and nature's beauty resonated with Romantic ideals. As artists transitioned into the Romantic era, they built upon the expressive techniques pioneered by Sturm und Drang, leading to more personal storytelling in both music and literature that celebrated human emotion as central to artistic creation.

Related terms

Empfindsamer Stil: A style of music characterized by sensitive and expressive melodies, often highlighting the emotional state of the performer, closely associated with Sturm und Drang.

Galant Style: A musical style that emphasized elegance and simplicity, often contrasting with the emotional intensity of Sturm und Drang.

Romanticism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature, building on the foundations set by Sturm und Drang.