The nineteenth century was not only the age of romanticism but also the period of great scientific discoveries and the tremendous rise of industry. Science and industry brought unsuspected change to society: on the one hand they stimulated an élan and optimism, in the hope of a better world, while on the other hand industrial development in particular caused great upheaval and disquiet, expressed in increasing criticism of the society of the time. Both of these forces were active in the early years of the twentieth century. The triumphant march of discovery proceeded, but at the same time more and more nationalist tendencies and political tensions developed, leading in 1914, from central Europe, to World War I. This disaster brought Europe to ruin, and despite attempts at repair, political and economic crises have been rife ever since. Many lands introduced a form of controlled economy, and in some countries, dictatorial rule was established: Russia in 1917, Italy in 1922, Germany in 1933 and Spain in 1936. The democratic countries of the West were weak and divided. The world picture changed slowly but surely. America, Japan and other non-European countries developed considerably, partly through the destitution of Europe after World War I. Tension increased in Europe, and inner conflicts led to World War II some twenty years after World War I. Spengler's pessimistic prophecy of 1918, Untergang des Abendlandes, seemed to approach fulfillment. The decolonisation of almost all African and Asian countries was completed at a furious speed. Meanwhile America, Russia and China became world powers, and in between them the ‘Asian peninsula’ of Europe was threatened with suffocation. However, the opposite occurred: the first steps toward European unity were taken, and an unexpected upsurge was felt in all fields, bearing witness to the vitality of this ancient but torn part of the world.

Among the first to announce the new era in spectacular fashion were the futurists. The past was over and done: ‘destroy it, only then can a new world arise’, as Marinetti cried in 1909. With Milan as the focal point, artists of various backgrounds gathered around Marinetti, idealists dreaming of a new world. Their ideas were revolutionary in every field, but the movement did not advance beyond its visions, perhaps because time was not yet ripe for their many proclamations. Russolo was the key figure in the music world.