The beginning of the twentieth century was subject to many major and rapid changes. The industrial revolution had left its mark on Western-European society. The middle class flourished and gained influence in politics, arts and culture. Travelling was easier than ever before and cultures from all over the world began to affect each other. The first colonies became independent, resulting in political shifts that would be the roots of the first World War. To top it all off, a worldwide influenza pandemic terrorized the world in 1918.

The arts had their own revolutions: figurative art was discarded, just as tonality in classical music, providing new melodic and harmonic possibilities. How did a composer uphold oneself in these turbulent times? 

Programme

Kurt Weill parts of the Dreigroschensuite
Claude Debussy Préludes
Leoš Janáček In the mists
Erwin Schulhoff Hot Music

• Listen to the Dreigroschensuite on Spotify