Romantic Era Music Concepts

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Romantic Era music, including influential composers and stylistic features.

Symphonies

Large-scale orchestral works typically in four movements, often conveying deep emotion.

Leitmotif

A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character or idea.

Idée fixe

A recurring theme that represents a specific person or idea, especially used by Berlioz.

Lied

A German art song for voice and piano, often expressing deep emotions.

Program music

Instrumental music that has a narrative or tells a story.

Character piece

A short piano work that conveys a specific mood or tells a story.

Tristan chord

Ambiguous harmony used by Wagner, symbolizing unresolved tension.

Arthur Schopenhauer

Philosopher who influenced Wagner, asserting that music is the highest form of art.

Programmatic symphony

A symphony that tells a story or conveys a specific narrative, exemplified by Berlioz's 'Symphonie fantastique'.

Nationalism in music

Incorporating folk music elements and national identity into compositions.

Virtuoso

A highly skilled musician, often performing complex pieces with technical proficiency.

Clara Schumann

A renowned pianist and composer, known for her advocacy for her husband Robert Schumann.

Fanny Mendelssohn

A composer overshadowed by her brother Felix, known for her contributions to music.

Classical vs Romantic

Classical music emphasizes balance and form, while Romantic music emphasizes emotion and personal expression.

Symphony No. 1 (last movement)

A prominent orchestral work by Johannes Brahms.

Isoldes Liebestod

An aria from Wagner's opera 'Tristan und Isolde', showcasing themes of love and death.

Mazurka

A lively Polish dance in triple time, composed by Chopin.