Neoclassicism Neoclassicism in music was a 20th century development, particularly popular in the period between the two World Wars, in which composers drew inspiration from music of the 1700s

Balanced form and structure and restrained emotional content Modern instrumental techniques and chromatic harmony Neo- Classicism Neoclassicism can be seen as a reaction against the prevailing trend of 19th century Romanticism. In other words it was reacting against the works of such composers as Berg, Schoenberg and Webern. Neoclassicism makes a return to balanced forms and often emotional restraint, as well as 18th century compositional processes and techniques. Advances in modern instrumental resources such as the full orchestra, which had greatly expanded since the 18th century, and advanced harmony, makes neoclassical works distinctly 20th century. from classical and baroque era (classical) from Romantic era and turn of the century (neo = new)

Classical portrait Neo-classical portraits

Hindemith From the Baroque and Classical Also... Composers From modern music Tippett Prokofiev Stravinsky Poulenc Bitonality Clarity of sound in solos Frequent changes of key Music not describing anything in particular Echoes of earlier composers Deliberate ‘wrong’ notes Style devoid of emotion Regular rhythms Unexpected chord sequences Devices such as alberti bass, sequence & imitation Clear texture Unexpected harmonies Forms such as sonata, concerto & symphony Neo - Classicism

One of the masters of 20 th century music Lived to the age of 88 Known as a chameleonic composer He went through 3 or 4 different styles in his life Wrote an opera based on 16 th century story so researched the style and liked it so much that he adopted some of the elements of the style into his own work

Lived in Ukraine which was part of the USSR Soviet government exercised censorship over music and the arts Music wasn’t heard in public if it was ‘too difficult for the common man’ to appreciate Neo-classicism fitted well into this regime Artistic freedom was suppressed in this way Was composing aged 5 At 13 he entered the Conservatoire in Moscow The revolution of 1917 affected his work (and the effect of the Soviet regime) Travelled to escape censorship Met Diaghilev (ballet choreographer) but he rejected his music Returned to Russia 1918: Classical Symphony was performed (expressed ideas of the past in musical form) Pleased the Soviet government but still felt constrained so left Russia again

At the turn of the century he was among the very first to travel into the countryside to collect folk-songs and carols from singers Notated songs and carols for future generations to enjoy. Musical editor of The English Hymnal he composed several hymns that are now world-wide favourites (For all the Saints, Come down O love Divine) Deeply affected by WWI, and the loss of his composer friend Butterworth Sustained a long and deep friendship with the composer Gustav Holst (Planets) He also became professor of composition at the Royal College of Music in London. Work included nine symphonies, five operas, film music, ballet and stage music, several song cycles, church music and works for chorus and orchestra watch?v=xH2UcunPAR0 /watch?v=gzYpGumhETU