What does the neoclassical movement in music emphasize?

The neoclassical movement in music emphasizes a revival of balance and objectivity by returning to formal structures of the past. This movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the emotional excesses of Romanticism and the complexities of modernism. Composers sought to incorporate classical forms and styles from earlier musical periods, particularly those from the Classical and Baroque eras, emphasizing clarity, order, and formality in their compositions.

By prioritizing established forms and techniques, neoclassical composers aimed to achieve a sense of restraint and discipline in their music, contrasting sharply with the highly emotional and subjective nature of the preceding Romantic era. This focus on reviving the formal structures of the past helped to create a music style that is balanced and intellectually engaging, providing audiences with a clearer and more structured listening experience.