Final answer:
Richard Wagner introduced the concept of gesamtkunstwerk, meaning 'total work of art', which unifies different artistic disciplines into a single expression, exemplified by his creation of the orchestra pit to enhance operatic performances. This concept played a significant role in the performing arts, influencing methods in theatre production and aligning with movements like Expressionism and Neue Sachlichkeit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Richard Wagner advanced a new approach to musical and stage production known as gesamtkunstwerk, a German term that translates to "total work of art." This concept refers to a synthesis of multiple art forms, including music, theater, poetry, and visual arts, into one cohesive and harmonious piece. Wagner's gesamtkunstwerk aimed at creating an immersive experience where every aspect of a performance contributed to the storytelling and emotional impact of the work. The invention of the orchestra pit is attributed to Wagner and served to hide the musicians from the audience's view, emphasizing the illusion of the performance space. His influential ideas align with other 19th-century art movements that challenged traditional forms and invited collaborative creation and holistic artistic experiences.
In the broader context of the arts, the gesamtkunstwerk approach reflects the experimental and progressive spirit seen in movements like Expressionism and Neue Sachlichkeit (The New Objectivity) which emerged in Germany. Notably, the New Objectivity was a reaction to the earlier Expressionist movement, emphasizing a more business-like and practical engagement with the world. Theatrical production saw significant changes in this period, with pioneering figures like Georg II, Duke of Saxe Meiningen, influencing the emergence of the professional director and more naturalistic aesthetics on stage.
The concept of gesamtkunstwerk continues to influence various forms of artistic expression, with its ideals penetrating beyond the realm of opera into broader cultural and art practices.