Category
Creative and Artistic
Description
The German concept of Sehnsucht is expressed explicitly in several musical selections from the Romantic era; however, the emotional state it represents is implicit in a much greater field of music, crossing a wide variety of styles, genres, and periods of history. The concept first gained popularity through the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and was employed in poetic, musical form through the works of the German Romantic composers. Significant research exists on the philosophical and theoretical implications of Sehnsucht. However, the extent of its intersection with the creative arts has not been explored in a great deal of depth. This research aims to analyze how Sehnsucht is expressed via creative and artistic means. In what ways does Sehnsucht implicitly undergird the creation and performance of music from a variety of genres and styles? An interdisciplinary, contextual approach will examine process and textual elements related to philosophy, theology, and creative arts praxis. Traditional philosophical concepts of Sehnsucht, such as those promoted by C.S. Lewis, will be viewed in light of the creative process and textual elements inherent in presenting a work of performance art. Future research on this concept may include a performance of works with texts that demonstrate Sehnsucht, textual analysis of specific lyrical elements, or creation of new works that evoke Sehnsucht.
A Created Longing: Sehnsucht and the Creative Arts
Creative and Artistic
The German concept of Sehnsucht is expressed explicitly in several musical selections from the Romantic era; however, the emotional state it represents is implicit in a much greater field of music, crossing a wide variety of styles, genres, and periods of history. The concept first gained popularity through the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and was employed in poetic, musical form through the works of the German Romantic composers. Significant research exists on the philosophical and theoretical implications of Sehnsucht. However, the extent of its intersection with the creative arts has not been explored in a great deal of depth. This research aims to analyze how Sehnsucht is expressed via creative and artistic means. In what ways does Sehnsucht implicitly undergird the creation and performance of music from a variety of genres and styles? An interdisciplinary, contextual approach will examine process and textual elements related to philosophy, theology, and creative arts praxis. Traditional philosophical concepts of Sehnsucht, such as those promoted by C.S. Lewis, will be viewed in light of the creative process and textual elements inherent in presenting a work of performance art. Future research on this concept may include a performance of works with texts that demonstrate Sehnsucht, textual analysis of specific lyrical elements, or creation of new works that evoke Sehnsucht.
