neoromanticism
Low (specialized term)Academic, artistic
Definition
Meaning
A cultural and artistic movement, especially in music and literature, that revives romantic themes and styles in a modern context.
Neoromanticism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction against both the excesses of late Romanticism and the austerity of modernism. It emphasizes emotional expression, individualism, and often a return to traditional forms and tonalities, particularly in music, but also in literature and visual arts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to describe a period or style that reintroduces emotional depth and lyrical qualities in contrast to the abstract or dissonant trends of the time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is associated with art criticism and musicology.
Frequency
Equally rare in both, primarily used in academic and artistic circles.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the neoromanticism of [artist/period]a return to neoromanticisman example of neoromanticismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Commonly used in art history, musicology, and literary criticism to describe a specific movement.
Everyday
Rarely used.
Technical
Used in artistic and academic discussions, particularly in analysis of 20th-century works.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- The symphony is neoromantically inclined, with sweeping melodies.
- He painted neoromantically, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
American English
- She composes neoromantically, drawing on late 19th-century influences.
- The poem is written neoromantically, emphasizing nature and emotion.
adjective
British English
- The neoromantic tendencies in his early works are evident.
- She was a leading figure in the neoromantic school.
American English
- Her neoromantic style features lush harmonies and emotional depth.
- The composer's neoromantic approach revitalized traditional forms.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Neoromanticism is a kind of art from the past century.
- Some music is called neoromantic.
- Some modern composers are influenced by neoromanticism.
- The artist's work shows elements of neoromanticism.
- The exhibition traces the development of neoromanticism in 20th-century painting.
- Critics debated whether the piece was a genuine example of neoromanticism.
- Scholars debate whether neoromanticism represents a genuine revival or merely a nostalgic yearning for the past.
- His later symphonies are often cited as pinnacles of musical neoromanticism, blending traditional tonality with modern sensibilities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'neo-' meaning new and 'romanticism' meaning emotional art: it's a new wave of romantic feelings in art and music.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC MOVEMENTS ARE REVIVALS (as in bringing back to life).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with просто романтизм (romanticism). Neoromanticism is a specific historical movement, not general romantic feelings.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'neo-romanticism' (with a hyphen) is common, but the term is often written as one word or with a hyphen interchangeably.
- Using it to describe contemporary romantic feelings in everyday life rather than an artistic movement.
Practice
Quiz
What does neoromanticism primarily refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is most commonly found in music, literature, and visual arts.
Neoromanticism is a revival or continuation of romantic themes but in a modern context, often reacting against both late romantic excess and modernist austerity.
Yes, it continues to influence contemporary artists and composers who seek emotional expression and traditional forms.