What is one of the primary goals of the neoclassical movement?

One of the primary goals of the neoclassical movement in music is to revive the formal structures and elements characteristic of earlier musical styles, particularly from the Classical and Baroque periods. This movement emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the emotionalism of Romantic music and the innovations of modernist composers. Neoclassicism sought to bring back qualities such as clarity, balance, and restraint, drawing inspiration from composers like Bach and Mozart. By emphasizing these traditional forms, neoclassical composers aimed to create works that were both contemporary and reflective of musical heritage, thus bridging the gap between the old and the new. This approach advocated for a structured compositional style, which contrasts with movements that favor departure from established forms.