Enlightenment in Music


Enlightenment was a period in the 17th and 18th centuries when new ideals were formed about human nature and how human nature affects the individual as well as society.  It was a period centered on reasoning and independent thought. Enlightenment thinkers concluded that rulers do not gain divine rights by God, but that the people should govern the people to protect their natural rights. This thought is the basis of the formation of a republic government. Most enlightenment thinkers studied human nature and debated whether or not humans were essentially benevolent, evil, selfish, peaceful, etc. Enlightenment not only relates to human nature and politics, but also to art, music, theatre, and architecture.  Reflecting the logical objectivity of Enlightenment, there was a reoccurring pattern to music that consisted of balance, repetition, and order.
One piece of music that entraps Enlightenment beliefs is the opera Don Giovanni composed in 1787 by Mozart. This opera tells a story about a woman named Zerlina and her fiancé Masetto; they are soon to be wed when a lustful nobleman Giovanni notices and ultimately seduces Zerlina. As Zerlina and Giovanni are singing about being with each other the music reflects Enlightenment musical style for there is balance and parity between the exchanges. Giovanni sings first and then Zerlina sings back to Giovanni. Mozart’s music supports their words. As Zelina and Giovanni sing together, the responses between the two singers get smaller and smaller, until both of the singers are in unison and seduction is complete. The music is logical, complete, balance, and ordered. The melodies are repeated and short phrases are accentuated. The repetitions in the music make it sweet.
There are examples of Enlightenment ideas not only in the music, but also in the words themselves. One example is how Zerlina wants to be alone with Giovanni rather than stay with her fiancé Masetto. She knows Giovanni can provide her more wealth and riches than her fiancé ever could. Zerlina wishes what Enlightenment thinker Thomas Hobbes suggests about humans; they want to increase pleasure and avoid pain. Zerlina wants to live a life of riches rather than stay poor.  Another example of an Enlightenment idea is when Donna Anna, a noblewoman, sings to Zerlina, a peasant, warning her about being with Giovanni. He is a womanizer and will easily abandon Zerlina for someone else. Even though there is a class difference between Donna Anna and Zerlina, Donna Anna watches out for her. This exemplifies the Enlightenment principle of natural rights. When these women stand up for themselves and unite with each other it shows the formation of sisterhood.





Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    This was a really good blog post on the Enlightenment!
    I liked how you talked about the Opera "Don Giovanni" and how it tied into the Enightenment ideals and also how before that you talked about the Enlightenment as a whole and what was created during the time. The last paragraph is also an example I would have overlooked! How not only the music of the Opera but the actions are examples of Enlightenment ideals. It was also great how you backed up your theory with Thomas Hobbes theory of increasing pleasure and avoiding pain!
    Great Job!
    -Kelsey

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  2. kaydemosOctober 10, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Thank you for your praise on my Enlightenment Blog. It is much appreciated! One of my favorite parts of this Opera is the actions that occur in the musical and how they relate to Enlightenment ideals. I find it simply fascinating that the characters and their words exemplify ideas of natural rights, that people stand united, and so much more. I'm super excited that I could make you open to that idea. Thanks again for commenting.

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