The most distinctive feature of the Rococo style of music is among the creations of the harpsichordists. French musicians Francois Couperin and Jean Philippe Rameau were skillful and very penetrating in their creations, therefore 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.
The Rococo style had such a strong influence on music that it fundamentally changed the ways of writing symphonies that existed at that time.
What is rococo?
Rococo is a style that appeared in France in the first half of the 8th century. It is believed that he became the climax of the Baroque. The rococo style in music stands out due to its brightness, grace and refinement. In other areas, it manifests itself in excessive, sometimes, overloaded work of interiors and architectural structures.
The sources of inspiration for musicians and artists of this era are long-standing myths, eroticism. In short, the Rococo style in music has gained the greatest distribution and popularity in Bavaria and in France.
Appearance of style
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, the unquenchable beauty and grace of forms, the desire to escape from the real to the mythological.
The ideal way was the calm course of life of shepherds in villages and villages. Gradually, the music of the Rococo era is already popularized throughout Europe: in Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany and many others. And not only music, but also architecture, literature, fashion seek to absorb new trends.
Rococo in Germany and in France
In Germany and France, Rococo music was most pronounced. Smooth rhythms appeared, mesmerizing with a deep meaning and unusual structure. Any symphony plunged into the unexplored world of dreams, where one wanted to stay for a long time.
The following French composers left the biggest mark in the music of that period:
- Louis Claude Daken (composer and harpsichord player).
- Jean-Joseph de Mondonville (conductor, violinist and writer).
- Antoine Forkre (gambist and composer) and others.
Among the German and Austrian composers and musicians should be mentioned:
- Joseph Haydn (composer).
- Emmanuel and Christian Bach (sons of the famous Johann Sebastian Bach).
Character traits
Rococo features 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 pass from one form to another. For example, if the creation was dramatic, then it did not turn into positive. True, some notes could be present due to which the music became multifaceted and rich.
The most popular instrument for the development of the Rococo was the harpsichord, with which many composers created their creations. He became the personification of the reality of the rococo style in music, as it was recognized as gallant and elegant, miniature and quiet.
He did not require great skills from the musician, as he had a fairly simple design. True, the symphonies created with the help of such a simple, at first glance, instrument still amaze minds. Outwardly, it was decorated with various stones and small, sophisticated details inherent in that time.
Rococo in music briefly
In the largest forms of music, such as opera and ballet, the flow manifests itself most fully. This is evident in the works of Rameau and Kampra, which are based on the introduction of small arias and dance episodes, which are tightly intertwined thanks to the suite principle.
Some operas are built, on the contrary, due to the bright suite, which does not have clear storylines. Such works are presented by Rameau entitled "Gallant India" and Camproy - "Venetian Festivities". Images of characters are distinguished by giving them elegance, splendor. Heroes are dressed in catchy costumes that are somewhat reminiscent of masquerade.
Often resort to the use of pastorals, where free, unencumbered shepherds and shepherds enjoy life. Heroes have 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 the characters, on unusual landscapes. Not only harpsichord is used, but also violin, flute and oboe. The music was composed according to the principle of suites, which over time was replenished with ever-smallest and most significant details and decorations. For example, “plug-in” dances (Paspier, Bourrée, Minuet, Pavana) appeared. Later the form is simplified, it includes more free dances with simple names, which provided complete freedom of imagination of the creator.
What was more popular?
Rococo was especially fond of music by representatives of the bourgeois who delighted themselves with symphonies during dinners. The most popular were those forms where the author’s imagination was manifested, that is, there was a place for inventions, imitations, laughter and fun.
“Chicken” Rameau or “Small Windmills” by Couperin enjoyed overwhelming success among the upper class, as they seemed the most amusing. These creations have become an example for many musicians, which has received imitation.
Often musicians parody the manner of others or adopt their habits and "zest". The Guillaume Guillaume Sonata Quartet was the clearest reflection of this aspiration in the Rococo era.