Germany and the Beginnings of Romanticism

Germany and the Beginnings of Romanticism

Romanticism begins with the work of a bunch of young German intellectuals, (strongly influenced by their admiration for Shakespeare*), who will later be known as the Sturm und Drang* (Storm and Stress) movement, named for a play of that title [written in 1776 by Friedrich M. Klinger*.] The group includes Goethe* [see below] who will write the first German play in the Shakespearian style (Goetz von Berlichingen mit der eisernen Hand*) which will be produced in Berlin in 1773. The Sturm und Drang* movement covers roughly 1767-1787, but reaches its height in the 1800s. One of the most relevant features of the period is that the hold of French dramatic models is broken and English models replace them, especially Shakespeare*.

The unities* (remember? back in the French neoclassic period) are ignored, emotionalism runs rampant and the plots are anything but simple. There is no clear philosophical direction and the plays are very diverse. Some are episodic, like Goetz von Berlichingen* with its fifty- four scenes, others more ordered. The primary object seems to be breaking all previous rules. Most of the group's plays are not even produced. The ones that are, are mostly not well received. But, production failure doesn't seem to matter and the plays are read and discussed all over Germany. All this lays a foundation for the really good stuff that will come out after 1785. Much of this development will grow out of the establishment of state theatres (this will begin in 1776.)

In the 1770s in Germany the growing number of permanent theatre buildings means that the set designs will become more important. More appropriate and more detailed sets which can

be changed easily are now necessary. For the first time we can see attempts to have authentic sets and costumes. Interest in historical accuracy shows up in Goetz von Berlichingen* and the plays it inspired. The 1774 production of this play is the first time anybody uses sets and costumes to show a particular historical time and place. In the 1770s all those domestic plays are written with specific costume descriptions which encourages costume design for particular characters. Historical costuming becomes the usual thing.

1770 - The first important Danish playwright, Johannes Ewald* (1743-1781) comes out with the first significant Danish tragedy, Rolf Krage*. He calls attention to the rich heritage of the folklore and legend of North Europe and lays the foundation there for the coming romantic movement.

1770 James Cook*, English explorer, discovers Botany Bay Australia and the Scots explorer, James Bruce is zipping around the interior of Africa discovering the source of the Blue Nile.

In America they are busy with the "Boston Massacre" which is basically a brawl between drunken civilians and British troops.

In England Gainsborough* (1727-1788) paints the "The Blue Boy." Sir Joshua Reynolds* is also busy painting. The master cabinetmaker, Thomas Chippendale* (1719-79) has produced his major work.

1771 In Sweden Gustav III* starts his reign (r. 1771-1792.) He will give a boost to theatre, found an academy, write plays himself and generally encourage art. In 1773 he will start a national theatre.

1772 - In Germany, Lessing* comes out with his tragedy, Emilia Galotti*. 1772 The American colonies are getting serious about their problems with England. The

Boston Assembly demands rights for the colonies and threatens secession. Samuel Adams* (1722-1803) forms Committees of Correspondence in Massachusetts for action against Great Britain.

This year brings the first German performance of Handel*'s (1685-1759) "Messiah." Gluck* (1714-87,) Haydn* (1732-1809) and Mozart* (1756-91) are busy turning out great music.

1773 Britain is busy expanding in India and this year they pass a Regulating Act* to put Indian acquisitions under parliamentary control.

1773 - In Germany this year the Sturm und Drang* playwright, Johann Wolfgang Goethe* (1749-1832,) comes out with his first success, Goetz von Berlichingen*, the idealized story of

a historical figure, a robber baron. Totally disregarding the Unities*, it kicks off the Romantic movement and is the spearhead of the "Storm and Stress*" guys, providing a model for the movement. With the success of his short novel next year, Goethe* becomes the leader of the young Romantics. He will go on to a lengthy and extremely influential and productive career spanning the entire period. We will look at his achievements as they occur, but a brief outline of his major work might be helpful here.