PIERROT LUNAIRE Meaning and
Definition
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Pierrot Lunaire is a term that primarily refers to an influential musical composition created by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in 1912. The composition is based on a collection of 21 poems, written in French by Belgian symbolist poet Albert Giraud. The term "pierrot" historically represents a stock character from Italian commedia dell'arte, usually portrayed as a sad clown or a young, naive servant. On the other hand, "lunaire" pertains to the moon, evoking a sense of mysticism, night-time beauty, and possibly madness.
In Schoenberg's work, Pierrot Lunaire becomes a song cycle, combining expressionism with the avant-garde style of atonality. The composition explores the emotions and psychological states of Pierrot, using intricate musical techniques like sprechstimme, a vocal technique that lies between speaking and singing. Pierrot Lunaire is known for its dissonant harmonies, fragmented melodies, and restless, fragmented rhythm, creating a haunting and at times unsettling atmosphere.
Over time, the term "pierrot lunaire" has grown beyond Schoenberg's composition and has come to encompass a broader artistic concept. It has been associated with the character Pierrot and his representation in various forms of art, literature, and theater. Additionally, "pierrot lunaire" can also refer to a specific visual aesthetic, often characterized by a melancholic and dreamlike ambiance, reminiscent of moonlit nights and themes of love, solitude, and existentialism.
Etymology of PIERROT LUNAIRE
The word "Pierrot Lunaire" has its origins in French and can be broken down as follows:
1. Pierrot: This term refers to a specific stock character in traditional French pantomime and commedia dell'arte. Pierrot is a sad and sentimental clown-like figure, usually dressed in white with a pointed hat.
2. Lunaire: This word comes from the Latin "luna", meaning "moon". In French, it means "related to the moon", often used to describe lunar phenomena or objects associated with the moon.
Therefore, "Pierrot Lunaire" can be translated as "Moon-like Pierrot" or "Pierrot of the Moon". The term was famously used as the title of a cycle of poetry composed by Albert Giraud, which was later set to music by the composer Arnold Schoenberg.
