Program Music
A type of instrumental art music that attempts to musically render an extramusical narrative
"Program Music" is a genre of instrumental music that aims to depict or evoke specific extra-musical ideas, stories, scenes, or emotions. Unlike "absolute music", which is purely instrumental and does not have a specific narrative or program, program music is composed with the intention of conveying a programmatic concept or narrative through musical means.
Program music can take various forms, including symphonic poems, tone poems, overtures, and suites. Composers use various musical techniques such as melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and orchestration to portray or suggest the intended programmatic elements. The programmatic content can be inspired by literature, poetry, mythology, nature, historical events, or personal experiences.
One of the notable examples of program music is Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra", which is based on Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work. The music follows a narrative structure and aims to depict the themes and ideas presented in Nietzsche's text. Another example is Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition", which portrays a series of paintings and artworks through musical depictions of different scenes.
Program music allows composers to express and communicate specific ideas, emotions, or stories through the medium of music. It invites the listener to engage their imagination and connect with the narrative or concept being portrayed. However, program music can also be enjoyed on its own purely for its musical qualities, even without knowledge of the specific program or narrative.
The genre of program music emerged during the Romantic era, with composers such as Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, and Richard Strauss embracing its possibilities. It continues to be explored and expanded upon by contemporary composers who seek to push the boundaries of musical expression and storytelling.
Example of Program Music
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, the predominant musical figure during the transition between the Classical to Romantic eras. He occupies an unprecedented dominance in the history of Western music history, and has been widely regarded as the greatest, most influential and most popular musician who ever lived.
Beethoven's music inherited the artistic atmosphere of Haydn and Mozart, penetrated the desire for dignity, vented the anger tortured by fate, and demonstrated his determination to fight with fate.
Compared to other musicians, Beethoven is effectively to interact the philosophy of life with audience through music. Although he was not a romantic, he had become the object followed by other romantics.
As a musician, Beethoven suffered from ear diseases. However, he was unwilling to succumb to fate, vowing to take fate by the throat, and continue to complete his career. In the last ten years of his life, without hearing any sound, his compositions influenced the development of music for nearly two hundred years.
G Song by Terry Riley
