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Program Music
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Program Music
Program music refers to a musical form that carries a specific title or program, explicitly conveying the theme or content of the work. The program may depict stories, scenes from nature, emotions, or historical and literary themes, aiming to express these elements through music. This concept contrasts with "absolute music," which focuses solely on pure musical form without specific content.
Characteristics
- Presentation of a Program: Works are given concrete titles or explanations, which aid the audienceʼs understanding.
- Musical Content: The music itself expresses the content based on the program, utilizing melody, rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation to fulfill this role.
- Freedom of Expression: It includes not only direct depictions but also abstract emotions and impressions expressed through music.
Representative Examples
- Vivaldiʼs *The Four Seasons*: A set of concertos expressing scenes of nature, featuring specific depictions like birdsong and thunderstorms.
- Berliozʼs *Symphonie Fantastique*: A symphony themed around love and fantasy, with each movement telling a part of the story.
- Smetanaʼs *The Moldau*: A symphonic poem depicting the flow and surrounding scenery of the Vltava River through music.
Purpose of Program Music
The goal of program music is to convey specific images, stories, and emotions through music, allowing for a more concrete resonance with the audience.
While program music flourished during the Romantic period, its tradition continues today in film scores and modern programmatic compositions.