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Writer's pictureholly butcher

What Inspires Music? The Romantic Period

How is your winter going? While it's cold out there as budding musicians we can think about what has inspired great composers to write a song? Well one of those inspirations is art.

Yes, the Romantic period (1798 - 1837) is when Impressionistic art was being created. Beautiful art pieces with filtered light, soft airy colors evoked a feeling

of growing emotion. Oscar Claude Monet was an impressionistic painter who was inspired by nature and painted in an ethereal and flowing style. This kind of art inspired many composers such as the French composer Claude Debussy who's music breathed in and out with varying dynamics. His songs took time to breath and almost were played like a paint brush going across a canvas. He also was inspired by poems and artisic writings. A very famous song written by Debussy is titled Clair De Lune which is French and means Moonlight. Take a listen to Clair de Lune below in my blog and as well there is an image of a painting by Monet. But.. what does this mean for you as a musician or artist? It means take a look around and see what inspires you from a painting, sculpture, nature, or poem. How can any of these stir up creativity and expression in a song you're currently working on or maybe you want to write your own song or lyrics/poem. Inspiration is all around us.. take a moment to get quiet and take in the sun reflecting on a pond or the birds flying in the sky. See what ideas start to come as you sit down at the piano. Maybe you will be as inspired as Claude Debussy. Creating is a way to express ourselves and enjoy life around us.

Enjoy your week and take some time to be inspired by nature and art.

- Holly





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