Meaning of Humoresque in Music
Humoresque is a genre of music that originated during the Romantic period. It is characterized by pieces that have a fanciful and humorous mood, rather than being witty in nature. Humoresques are typically short compositions, often written for the piano, that express a particular mood or a vague nonmusical idea The term "humoresque" can also refer to a short lively piece of music.
Humoresques have been composed by various notable composers, including Robert Schumann, Antonín Dvořák, and Sergei Rachmaninoff These compositions often capture a lighthearted and playful spirit, incorporating elements of humor and whimsy into the music.
One well-known example of a humoresque is Dvořák's "Humoresque No. 7," which is part of his collection of eight humoresques for piano. This piece is characterized by its catchy melody and lively rhythm, creating a joyful and humorous atmosphere.
Overall, humoresques in music are characterized by their whimsical and humorous nature, providing a delightful and light-hearted listening experience.
A term that has been given to some compositions that may be considered humorous, whimsical or capricious in character and often found as a single movement of a composition. In many cases, where the composition is not particularly humorous, the term capriccio could certainly be used.
The use of this term began in 1839 by Robert Schumann when he titled his Opus 20 for pianoforte, Humoreske in B flat major. He also gave the name Humoreske to the second of the four Phantasiestücke for violin, cello & piano in A minor, Op. 88. Other famous composers have also used this term. Antonin Dvořák composed a set of eight Humoresques (Op. 101) in 1894, Edvard Grieg composed 4 Humoresques (Op. 6) in 1865, Peter Tchaikovsky composed 2 Pieces (Op.10) with the second piece named Humoresque in 1872, and Sergei Rachmaninoff composed Morceaux de salon in 1894 with No. 5 having the name Humoresque in G major. Additionally, Gustav Mahler originally used Humoresken as the title for his collection of songs, Des Knaben Wunderhorn (1888-99), and his Fourth Symphony was originally conceived as a "symphonic humoresque".
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