Identify, describe, and contrast two of the Expressionist groups of the early 20th century. Refer to specific artists and works to illustrate your points.

What will be an ideal response?


Responses will vary depending on the selection of artwork. Broadly, Expressionism arose as artists came to believe that the fundamental purpose of art was to express their intense feelings toward the world. The movement developed in Germany where the expressive idea had its greatest influence. Two Expressionist groups that emerged were Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter. The former's intense arbitrary colors and wavering lines link it to Fauvism and Munch; the latter was organized by Vasili Kandinsky, who employed the same bright colors and mystical themes. Die Brücke believed that through their art they would build a bridge to an enlightened future, whereas Der Blaue Reiter sought to eliminate subject matter and employ a nonrepresentational style to communicate a formal language of line, form, and color.

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The performance of Bach's St. Matthew's Passion in 1829 was the first public performance of the work since Bach's death

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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Which of the following describes Etruscan art?

A. It was a combination of motion and vitality B. It was a combination of stability and calm C. It was a combination of rigid frontality and symmetry D. It was a mass of cylindrical forms

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The technique that was famously employed in the films of Sergei Eisenstein is called __________

A) splicing B) collage C) shot-countershot-shot D) montage E) "cutting within the frame"

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Which musical style did Dvo?ák use as part of his Symphony No. 9?

A. "French" style B. "German" style C. "Russian" style D. "American" style

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