The 20th century was a time of artistic revolution, marked by movements that sought to challenge conventional norms and redefine the boundaries of creativity. Two such movements, Dadaism and Surrealism, not only transformed the visual arts but also had a profound influence on experimental music. Through their rejection of traditional aesthetics and embrace of the absurd and the subconscious, Dadaism and Surrealism laid the groundwork for sonic exploration and paved the way for experimental composers to push the limits of sound.
Dadaism: Anarchy in Art
Emerging in the aftermath of World War I, Dadaism was a response to the disillusionment and chaos of the era. Rejecting reason and logic, Dadaists embraced nonsense, randomness, and absurdity as a means of confronting the absurdity of the world around them. In the realm of music, Dadaism inspired composers to break free from established musical conventions and explore unconventional techniques and sounds.