Rococo in music: what is it, when did it appear, the main features

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The Rococo style of music is most clearly seen among the creations of harpsichordists. French musicians Francois Couperin and Jean Philippe Rameau were skillful and very insightful in their creations, so they were able to accurately reflect the spirit of the era, show its grace and sophistication. Today, many musicians are guided by the work of famous musicians, trying to achieve the same heights.

So strong was the Rococo influence on music that it completely changed the way symphonies were written at the time.

What is Rococo?

Rococo is a style that appeared in France in the first half of the 8th century. It is generally accepted that he became the apogee of the Baroque. The rococo style in music stands out due to its brightness, grace and sophistication. In other areas, it manifests itself as excessive, at times, workload of interiors and architectural structures.

The sources of inspiration for musicians and artists of this era were ancient myths, erotica. In short, the Rococo style of music was most widespread and popular in Bavaria and throughoutFrance.

Style Appears

The emergence of Rococo in music and in other areas is due to serious changes in philosophical views, changes in preferences. The idea was to reflect in his work eternal youth, inextinguishable beauty and grace of forms, the desire to escape from the real to the mythological.

The calm course of life of shepherds in villages and villages has become an ideal image. Gradually, the music of the Rococo era is already being popularized throughout Europe: in Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany and many others. And not only music, but also architecture, literature, fashion tend to absorb new trends.

Rococo in Germany and France

In Germany and France, rococo music expressed itself most clearly. Smooth rhythms appeared, captivating with deep meaning and unusual structure. Any symphony plunged into the unknown world of dreams, where I wanted to stay for a long time.

The following French composers left the biggest mark on the music of that period:

• Louis Claude Daquin (composer and harpsichordist).
• Jean Joseph de Mondonville (conductor, violinist and composer).
• Antoine Forcret (gambo player and composer) and others.

Among German and Austrian composers and musicians should be mentioned:

• Joseph Haydn (composer).
• Emmanuel and Christian Bach (sons of the famous Johann Sebastian Bach).

Characteristics

Features of Rococo in music are perceived in the same way as in architecture, painting, because they do not have serious differences. All music was filled with various sound decorations, the melody was not constant, it changed all the time. As a rule, symphonies did not change from one form to another. For example, if the creation was of a dramatic nature, then it did not turn into a positive one. True, some notes could be present, thanks to which the music became multifaceted and rich.

The harpsichord became the most popular instrument during the development of Rococo, with the help of which many composers created their creations. He became the embodiment of the Rococo style in music in reality, as he was recognized as gallant and elegant, petite and quiet.

It did not require great skills from the musician, as it had a fairly simple design. True, the symphonies created with the help of such a simple, at first glance, instrument still amaze the minds. Outwardly, it was decorated with various stones and small, refined details inherent in that time.

Rococo in music briefly

In the larger forms of music, such as opera and ballet, flow is at its most complete. This can be seen in the works of Rameau and Campra, which are based on the introduction of small arias and dance episodes, which are tightly intertwined due to the suite principle.

Some operas are built, on the contrary, at the expense of a bright suite that does not have clear storylines. Such works are presented by Rameaucalled "Gallant India" and Campra - "Venetian festivities". The images of the characters stand out by giving them elegance, splendor. The characters are dressed in catchy costumes, which are somewhat reminiscent of masquerade ones.

Often resort to the use of the pastoral, where free, unencumbered shepherds and shepherds enjoy life. The characters bear no real resemblance to the actual state of affairs among the shepherds in the countryside.

Rococo style in music involves focusing on the gallantry of characters, on unusual landscapes. Not only the harpsichord is used, but also the violin, flute and oboe. The music was composed according to the suite principle, which, over time, was replenished with more and more minute and significant details and decorations. For example, "insert" dances appeared (paspier, bourre, minuet, pavane). Later, the form is simplified, it includes more free dances with simple names, where complete freedom of the creator's imagination was provided.

Which was the most popular?

Rococo in music was especially loved by representatives of the bourgeoisie, who delighted themselves with symphonies during dinners. The most popular were such forms where the author's imagination manifested itself, that is, there was a place for inventions, imitations, laughter and fun.

"Chicken" Rameau or "Little Windmills" Couperin enjoyed a resounding success among the upper class, as they seemed the most amusing. These creations have become for many musiciansan example worthy of emulation.

Often, musicians parodied the manner of others or adopted their habits and "zest". Guillaume Guillemin's "Sonata Quartet" was the most striking reflection of this aspiration in the Rococo era.