Romanticism in Music
Romanticism
Romanticism was an artistic movement that took place from the nineteenth to the early twentieth century. Drastic changes in the arts took place over the course of this time period. During this movement, much emphasis was placed on emotion and imagination in the arts. Prior to the
Romantic Period, music had been seen more as recreation and njoyment than as an integral part of culture. The term "Romanticism" was first used in England and Germany in reference to a form of literature. It soon after spread to music and the visual arts. Romanticism was largely a product of two important revolutions in Europe. The new society that came about after the French Revolution emphasized the importance of the individual. This brought great changes in influences and ideas regarding music. It encouraged uniqueness and originality in art. Also, with the Industrial Revolution, music was more accessible by the public. Music changed from being a form of entertainment experienced solely in palaces and churches, to an art, witnessed and performed by the masses. Public concert halls were built, new instruments such as the tuba and saxophone were invented, and professional orchestrators came into existence. In conjunction with this greater publicity that music began to receive during this time, there was also a technical advancement in the music. The Industrial Revolution brought about new technological improvements in instruments, like valves on brass instruments. Also, new music conservatories were established in all major cities. These two things helped to increase the skill level of the musicians of the period. Composers were now writing music that previously would have been unplayable. There are three fundamental ideas of Romanticism in art. First, romantic art should be universal. It should cross the boundaries between genres. Second, it should be progressive. It should always be evolving and seemingly incomplete. It should be in a constant state of becoming.
Romanticism was an artistic movement that took place from the nineteenth to the early twentieth century. Drastic changes in the arts took place over the course of this time period. During this movement, much emphasis was placed on emotion and imagination in the arts. Prior to the
Romantic Period, music had been seen more as recreation and njoyment than as an integral part of culture. The term "Romanticism" was first used in England and Germany in reference to a form of literature. It soon after spread to music and the visual arts. Romanticism was largely a product of two important revolutions in Europe. The new society that came about after the French Revolution emphasized the importance of the individual. This brought great changes in influences and ideas regarding music. It encouraged uniqueness and originality in art. Also, with the Industrial Revolution, music was more accessible by the public. Music changed from being a form of entertainment experienced solely in palaces and churches, to an art, witnessed and performed by the masses. Public concert halls were built, new instruments such as the tuba and saxophone were invented, and professional orchestrators came into existence. In conjunction with this greater publicity that music began to receive during this time, there was also a technical advancement in the music. The Industrial Revolution brought about new technological improvements in instruments, like valves on brass instruments. Also, new music conservatories were established in all major cities. These two things helped to increase the skill level of the musicians of the period. Composers were now writing music that previously would have been unplayable. There are three fundamental ideas of Romanticism in art. First, romantic art should be universal. It should cross the boundaries between genres. Second, it should be progressive. It should always be evolving and seemingly incomplete. It should be in a constant state of becoming.