Impressionism

 an art movement or style that originated in

France in the late 19th century. It is a counter
Effect of the Romantic Style, which is
expressive of emotionalism. Thus,
impressionism in music is characterized by
the suggestion of images or themes, which
gives a feel of an “atmosphere” where
one may find meaning in what a
composer would like to impart.
Impressionism does not express
musical ideas through clear melodic and
rhythmic lines. Rather, it makes use of
timbre, texture, harmony and rhythm,
which the listener interprets. An
impression on a listener’s mind is
created through music, thus
this term “impressionism”
was coined.
 Impressionism in Music is
characterized by the following;
a. A Whole Tone Scale – a pattern constructed
Entirely of whole tone intervals.
b. Use of complex chords, such as the 9th
chord – with the triad as basis, another two
notes are added, creating a 9th chord.
(The notes of the Cm9 chord are [C, Eb, G, Bb, D].)

c. Use of ambiguous progression and

unresolved passages – creates a freer
progression.

(The standard tonic-subdominant-dominant-tonic)

d. Use of unusual forms and irregular phrases – the
form of music is not bound by strict rules.

e. Use of instrument/orchestral timbre, whether in

solo instrument, voice or orchestral music, to
create a color to express meaning
Two Leading Composers of the
Impressionist Period
 Claude Debussy
Born on August 22, 1862 at Saint German-en-Laye in
France.
He manifested his piano skills at the age of 9 and
entered the Conservatoire de Paris (Paris
Conservatory) at the age of 11.
One of his early works “Claire de Lune”
In 1884, he won the Prix de Rome (Grand Prix de
Rome) with his composition “L’enfant
Prodigue”.
Influenced by the works of Richard Wagner,
Alexander Borodin and Modest Mussorgsky.
He died in Paris at the age of 55 on March 1918.
Claude Debussy has approximately 141
compositions. Among Claude’s significant and
representative works are the following;
1. L’enfant prodigue – a composition for
soprano, tenor, baritone, and orchestra.
2. Petite suite – a composition for piano.
3. String Quartet in G Minor.
4. Prelude a lapres-midi d’un faune – a
symphonic poem for the orchestra.
5. Pelleas et Melisande – an opera.
6. La Mer – an orchestral work.
Maurice Ravel
 Born in Ciboure, France on March 7, 1875.
 Entered the Paris Conservatory at the age of 14.
 Also participated on Grand Prix de Rome but
failed to be chosen as the best.
 Number of his compositions were written for
piano.

Among his works are:

1. “Jeux d’eau” (1901)
2. “Miroirs” (1905)
3. “Gaspard de la nuit”
4. “Le tombeau de Couperin” (1917)
Ravel’s Contribution to Western Music
Orchestral Works Include;
1. Rapsodie Espagnole
2. Bolero

For orchestra instruments he also

wrote the following;
1. Histoires Naturelles
2. Trois Poemes de Stephane Mallarme
3. Chansons Madeclasses
.Ravel was single throughout his life and was
content living alone in the forest of Rambouillet
near Paris in 1928.
.He received an honorary degree of Doctor of
Music from Oxford University.
.In 1932 he had a communication
disorder resulting in the inability to
comprehend and communicate words.
But even during this period, his mind
was active with music.
.He died on December 28 1937 in
Paris France.
ACTIVITY
A. Identify the leading composers of the
Impressionist Period who is being described by
each item.
1. One of his early works is the
“Clair de Lune,” which is also one of his
most popular pieces.
2. He composed a cantata titled
“L’enfant Prodigue.
3. Among his piano works is “Jeux d’eau.”
4.One of his contributions to Western
music’s orchestral works is “Bolero.”
5.One of his piano works is
“Petite suite.”
B. Explain the following in two paragraphs:

1. Impressionism
2. Characteristics of Impressionism