Sturm und Drang

Abel Seyler silhouette - Basel

Johann Georg Hamann (1730 –1788)

JALeisewitz

Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) refers to a German literary and musical movement that emphasized intense emotion and individualism. It developed in the late 18th century as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment. The movement is often characterized by its focus on the authentic, subjective experience, as well as its themes of nature, individual freedom, and emotional turmoil.

Origins and Characteristics

The term Sturm und Drang was popularized by the play Sturm und Drang (1776) by Friedrich Maximilian Klinger, from which the movement takes its name. However, the ideas and themes associated with the movement were already present in the works of its precursors, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, who are considered two of the most important figures in this movement. Their works, including Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774) and Schiller's The Robbers (1781), exemplify the movement's ideals of intense emotion, the glorification of nature, and the critique of societal constraints.

Impact on Literature

In literature, Sturm und Drang introduced a new depth of emotional expression and an emphasis on the individual's inner turmoil and rebellion against societal norms. This was a departure from the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. The movement's literature often featured young, rebellious heroes who struggled against the constraints of society and their own passions. Themes of love, nature, and death were explored with a new intensity and directness.

Impact on Music

The Sturm und Drang movement also had a significant impact on music, influencing composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. In music, the movement manifested in a push towards expressivity, dramatic contrasts, and the exploration of minor keys to convey turmoil and emotion. Haydn's symphonies from this period, for example, are noted for their dramatic contrasts and expressive depth, characteristics that align with the Sturm und Drang ethos.

Legacy

The Sturm und Drang movement was relatively short-lived, giving way to Weimar Classicism and Romanticism. However, its impact on the development of German literature and music was profound. It marked a significant shift towards emotional depth and individualism in art, setting the stage for the Romantic movement, which would take these ideas to new heights. The movement's emphasis on the individual's experience and emotion also contributed to the development of modern notions of subjectivity and identity.

See Also

• Enlightenment
• Romanticism
• Weimar Classicism
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Friedrich Schiller