Answer: Expressionism first originated in the visual arts and was later applied to music and other arts in the early 20th century. Following impressionism in art and music, the harsh, bold expressionism era can be considered a counterpoint to impressionism’s gauzy sweetness.
Instead of ethereal impressions of beauty in nature, expressionism focuses on the inner angst and fear lurking within the subconscious mind. Expressionism in music embraces jarring dissonance and radical distortion.
