Pastoral is a genre in literature, music, painting and theater. What is the meaning of this word? What can be called a pastoral? What are some examples of the use of the word in literature? What is pastoral music? In the work of which composers are works dedicated to the depiction of rural life or nature?
Meaning of the word pastoral
This is, above all, a genre that is used in various types of art (painting, music, literature and theater). It is used to depict and poetize rural and peaceful human life. It also correlates in meaning with a noun. He is characterized as quiet and peaceful. Translated from French pastorale (pastoral) is a shepherd’s, rural.
Pastoral - a unique genre
In European art culture, it has existed for many centuries. History confirms its longevity and indicates a specific figure - the 23rd century. At first he took shape in a special genre of poetry. But it quickly spread to other types of literature, and then to other arts: painting, music, drama, and applied art. Forms of its manifestation and options created every era. So, the pastoral is both a generic and a specific genre category. The musical component of the pastoral lies in ancient sources. It was under her influence that the pastoral in European art developed. These were dances of satyrs and nymphs, songs of shepherds, playing the "shepherd's" instruments (flutes and others).
Examples of the use of the word in the literature
"He rode three kilometers among the ghostly deserts and snow-capped volcanoes that have nothing to do with the pastoral dawns of his valley."
"The office was as before. Its walls were painted in a plain green color and there was no mention of any pastoral landscapes."
"Hired specialists sowed and fed the soil. For Jack, the pastoral lesson to trim grass was some kind of therapy."
As you can see, in the literature "pastoral" is a frequently used word that is used in different speech turns to emphasize the desired meaning. Here are some more successful and diverse examples.
"A young man who was just awake from pastoral sounds could make out a sunbeam flashing across the ceiling above his head."
"He wandered through the amazing and enchanting forest, to which he dedicated a whole poem. In it pastoral motives are closely intertwined with mythological images and combined with political assessments."
"He turned a pastoral play into a real drama about suffering and tragic fate."
Pastoral in music
To depict rural life or nature, works are created that can be small or large.
In their scale, they are also different. Pastoral music has the characteristic features:
- The movement of the melody is calm and smooth.
- The most commonly used sizes are 6/8 or 12/8.
- In a melody, a third is often doubled.
Many composers addressed the pastoral. Among them: I.S. Bach, A. Vivaldi, F. Couperin, D. Scarlatti, L. Beethoven and others. Pastoral operas are in the works of K. Gluck, J. Ramo, J. Lully, V. Mozart, M. Ravel and many other composers.
Sixth Beethoven Symphony
The pastoral symphony in the work of the composer belongs to the central period. Date of its creation - 1806. In this work there is no struggle with the villain-fate. Here, in the foreground are the simple events of worldly life and the glorification of the great power of nature.
It is dedicated to Prince F. Lobkowitz (Vienna patron), who was the patron saint of the composer. On December 22, 1808, the symphony was first performed at the Vienna Theater. Initially, it was called "Recollection of rural life."
The first premiere of the work was a failure. The orchestra consisted of national teams and was of a low level. The hall was cold, the audience in fur coats did not perceive the composition as a highly artistic sample and did not appreciate it.
Beethoven’s pastoral symphony has a special place in the composer's work. Of the nine existing, it is only software. It has both a common name and headings directly to each of the five parts. Their number and deviation from the traditional four-part cycle is also due to the program. The dramatic picture of the thunderstorm contrasts the simple-minded village dances and the peaceful ending.
This symphony is one of
Beethoven 's most romantic
works. The composer himself wrote that she paints feelings arising from contact with the natural world and rural life.
Thus, the considered genre is used in various types of art (painting, literature, music, theater). Many composers addressed the pastoral. A special place is occupied by the Beethoven Pastoral Symphony, which is a programmatic composition. She conveys feelings filled with inspiration from the wonderful surrounding nature and rural life.