The Romantic Period

Overview of the Romantic Period

• The Romantic Period spanned approximately from 1820-1910.
• Characterized by an emphasis on expressing emotions, the self and the sublimity of nature.
• Deep interest in the mystical, supernatural and exotic, often with a focus on extreme emotional states and dark themes.

Musical Characteristics

• Romantic music often includes long, lyrical melodies, rich chromatic harmonies, and extensive modulation.
• Expansion of the orchestra, both in size, range and the variety of instruments used.
• Use of rich and innovative harmonies, greater use of dissonance, and dramatic key changes.

Forms and Genres

• Rising popularity of programmatic works (music that tells a story or paints a picture) like symphonic poems and program symphonies.
• Emergence of the song cycle (a series of songs linked by a common theme or story).
• Development of Opera as an important musical genre, with focus on dramatic and emotive content.

Prominent Composers

• Key figures include Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, Guiseppe Verdi, Claude Debussy, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
• Composers in the Romantic Period sought to expand the musical language and forms they inherited from the Classical era.

Influence of the Romantic Period

• Romantic composers focused on the emotional narrative of music, a trend that greatly influenced Western Classical music.

Remember, understanding the characteristics and context of the Romantic period aids in the interpretation and analysis of music from this time.