Neoklassischer

Neoklassischer is a German term that translates to neoclassical in English. It is primarily used in art history and musicology to describe a style that draws inspiration from classical antiquity, particularly ancient Greece and Rome. This revival of classical forms, themes, and ideals emerged in the mid-18th century as a reaction against the ornate and emotional excesses of the Baroque and Rococo periods.

In visual arts, neoklassischer art emphasizes clarity, order, and rationality. Artists sought to emulate the balance, harmony, and proportion found in ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and architecture. Subjects often included mythological scenes, historical events, and portraits rendered with precise drawing and a restrained palette. Key figures associated with neoklassischer art include Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova.

In music, the neoklassischer style, often referred to as Neoclassicism, emerged in the early 20th century, though its roots can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Composers sought to revisit the clarity, balance, and structural principles of the Classical era, particularly the works of Bach, Mozart, and Haydn. This often involved using classical forms like sonatas and fugues, but with modern harmonic language and rhythmic innovations. Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms" is a notable example of neoklassischer music. The term signifies a conscious return to perceived virtues of earlier periods, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.