Romantic Period

Romantic Period
1820-1900

General Notes:

• Cultural Movement that stressed ⁃ Emotion ⁃ Imagination ⁃ Individualism

Diverse and Complex

• Fascination with Fantasy

• Revered ⁃ Middle Ages ⁃ Chivalry ⁃ Romance

• Inspired by ⁃ Medieval Folk Ballads ⁃ Tales of Fantasy ⁃ Adventure

• Coincided with the Industrial ⁃ Revolution

Visual Arts of the Period:

• Most important influence on painters and sculptures was Nature

Music in Society:

⁃ Making music in the home took on great importance ⁃ Piano became a favorite instrument ⁃ Women had greater roles as performers, composers, and patrons • Virtuosos were revered: Favorites • Pianist- Franz Liszt • Violinist- Niccolo Paganini

Music of the Period:

⁃ Emphasized ⁃ Self Expression ⁃ Individuality of Style

• Favorite Subject ⁃ The Middle Ages ⁃ Shakespeare's Plays

⁃ Nationalism is a great influence

• Orchestra was larger • Up to 100 musicians • Brass section became more powerful with the addition of the trombones, tubas more horns and trumpets.

• In the woodwind section the addition of the contrabassoon, bass clarinet, English horn and piccolo as regular members of the orchestra • Cymbals, triangle and harp were often used to create more brilliant and sensuous sounds

• Composers ⁃ were no longer employed by Aristocrats ⁃ most has to have a second form of employment to live a few had wealthy patrons to support them while the composed

Elements Of Music:

Melody

• Melodies are often long, complex and highly expressive

• Recurring melodies unify longer works

Harmony

• Harmonies are rich, colorful, and complex

Rhythm

• Extremely diverse

• Tempos are flexible and may change frequently

Dynamics

• Changes can be sudden and gradual

• Extremely wide and ass considerable emotion, excitement and intensity

Texture

• Generally homophonic, but may fluctuate to provide