20th century art is all about shocking the senses. All the previous limitations of “acceptable and proper” have been upturned and the artists go “rogue”. The driving force behind this art is in the happenings and history of the people:
- Industrial Revolution (the way of life has been changed. Family unit is broken and the young generations leaves parents to move to the cities to work at factories),
- World War I and World War II (Germany was at the center of the wars and the most shocking art and music are created by German folk).
- At the same time, as the big world is getting smaller and more accessible, there is an enormous focus on Nationalism and return to Ethnic roots (Many composers work to create music that is particular to their country and national identity).
Video Links:
Stravinsky. Ballet “Rite of Springs” (start at 2:30) – it shows all the above mentioned things about art – shocking the senses, return to ethnicism, confusion and fear of common folk.
USA: Jazz/Blues – Gershwin “Rhapsody in Blue” (video)
FRANCE: Debussy. Prelude
GERMANY: Cage. 3’44”
Glass. Minimalism
ASIA: Spacedrum Sun Catcher – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=747hJQNJpeg
RUSSIA: Prokofiev. Peter and Wolf