Impressionism

Question 1

Impressionism time period?

Answer 1

Between 1890-1920

Question 2

Impressionism Origin?

Answer 2

France, influenced by Impressionist painters like Monet.

Question 3

Impressionism Characteristics? (3-4)

Answer 3

Use of modal and whole-tone scales (avoiding strong tonal centers).

Emphasis on tone color and atmosphere over strict form.

Unresolved harmonies and ambiguous tonality (blurred harmonic progressions).

Use of parallel chords (planning) rather than functional harmony.

Question 4

Impressionism Composers? (2)
Hint: 20th century major composers

Answer 4

Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel

Question 5

Impressionism Musical Forms & Genres?

Answer 5

Short piano pieces, orchestral works, ballet, opera.

Programmatic music (evoking scenes of nature and moods).

Question 6

Why was impressionism developed?

Answer 6

As a reaction against Romanticism and Germanic music (e.g., Wagner, Brahms).