Sturm und Drang

German era

Definition

Storm and Stress — a pan-European literary and musical movement of the 1760s–70s characterised by intense emotional turbulence, minor keys, dramatic dynamic contrasts, and agitated textures. Haydn's \"Sturm und Drang\" symphonies and CPE Bach's late sonatas are the keyboard equivalent.

Interpretive Guidance

In Sturm und Drang passages, allow full dynamic range from pp to ff; sudden sforzandi should land with conviction. Turbulent semiquaver passages benefit from a lean, rhythmically driven touch rather than smoothness.

Context

Scope Classical era term
Era Classical
Language German

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