Chapter 35 - Between the World Wars: The Classical Tradition

Question 1

In Germany, how long did the Weimar Republic last?

Answer 1

From 1919-1933

Question 2

Describe the musical philosophy of the “New Objectivity”

Answer 2

The new objectivity sought to create works that appealed to regular people, and that was objective in emotion, clear in ideas, and accessible. It also sought relevance to the modern day and incorporated popular styles

Question 3

The New Objectivity was largely a reaction to what?

Answer 3

This new philosophy was a reaction against extreme, subjective, emotionally saturated late Romantic styles, as well as the complexity of works by Schoenburg and his students

Question 4

Name some significant works that exemplify the New Objectivity

Answer 4

• The Threepenny Opera (Weill)
• The City of Mahogany (Weill)
• Johnny Strikes up the Band (Krenek)

Question 5

Describe general compositional practices in Russia under the Soviets

Answer 5

The state viewed music as a way to indoctrinate the party message and was against elitist music. As such compositions that were encouraged were tonal, simple, melodic, celebrated the party and accessible to the masses

Question 6

Describe socialist realism

Answer 6

This was a style of art that was considered the ideal under Stalinist Russia. It celebrated socialist values, was simple, melodic, tonal, patriotic and inspirational

Question 7

Modernism and an interest in music for it’s own sake was condemned as what by the Russians?

Answer 7

It was called formalism and discouraged by the state

Question 8

Prokofiev spent his early career touring Western Europe as a pianist/ composer after the revolution. When did he return to Russian and why?

Answer 8

He returned in 1936 at a low ebb in his career on the state promise of performances and commissions

Question 9

What is Prokofiev’s legacy?

Answer 9

His music is exemplary of the the socialist realism style, while still finding ways to remain engaging

Question 10

Shostakovich’s career was very up and down. Describe ways in which he gained and lost favor with the state.

Answer 10

His first symphony gained him stardom. His opera featured modernist tendencies and was scolded by the state. He then wrote more conservatively from then on and wrote film scores after 1948