The Romantic Era

The Romantic Era

• The Romantic Era of music covers the period roughly from 1800 to 1900. It is often associated with expressions of emotion, imagination, and individualism.
• Some key Romantic composers include Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms.
• The ideals of the Romantic movement permeated not only music but also other forms of art and literature.

Key Characteristics of Romantic Era Music

• Romantic music emphasises expressiveness and emotional depth. It often returns to themes of love, passion, beauty, nature, death, and the supernatural.
• Melodies are often long, lyrical, highly emotive and expressive.
• Dynamic contrast is utilised to heighten emotional intensity. The use of rubato, a flexible approach to tempo, is also characteristic of the era.
• Orchestras became larger and more diverse, with the introduction and development of many new instruments.
• The Romantic period also saw the development of the piano, a versatile instrument capable of a wide range of musical expressions.

Role of Composer and Performer

• The Romantic era witnessed the rise of the individual artist. Composers and performers were celebrated and even idolised during this era.
• Many Romantic composers wrote music that was technically challenging, showcasing the virtuosity and expressive power of the performer.
• The concept of the musical masterpiece was also a Romantic innovation. Composers began to create complex works that were considered artistic statements in and of themselves, rather than simply entertainment or vehicles for dance.

Romantic Music for Ensemble

• Romantic music for ensemble often highlights the colours and possibilities offered by various combinations of musical instruments.
• Experimentation was encouraged to create ever richer, more expressive sounds within the ensemble.
• Emphasised roles of individual instruments or groups of instruments were also prominent in Romantic ensemble music, similar to the concept of the concerto grosso from the Baroque period.
• Known for its passion and intensity, Romantic music for ensemble offers performers the opportunity to express individual and collective emotions through a shared musical language.