Key Concepts in Romantic Era Music

Character Piece

Short Piece of Romantic Era music, mean to convey one strong emotion.

Absolute Music

Music written for it's own sake.

Program Music

Music written about a non musical subject, like a person, place, or thing.

Romantic

Prioritizing the desires of the individual.

Sharp

To raise a pitch by one.

Flat

To lower a pitch by one.

Virtuosity

High degree of skill at an instrument.

Chromatic Scale

To play every note, one at a time, as neighbors.

Diatonic Harmony

Harmony that stays in one key.

Chromatic Harmony

Music that changes key frequently.

Rubato

Being flexible with timing in music for expressive effect.

Macabre

Art that deals with dark and disturbing subjects. It can also be funny sometimes too.

Stage 1

Exposition

Stage 2

Development (Changes key frequently)

Stage 3

Recap