MAPEH Q3 - Music of The Romantic Period

Piano Music (Romantic Period)

A period of music with innovations and compositions requiring a high level of virtuosity; saw reinventions of sonatas from the Classical era.

Virtuosity

The characteristic of demonstrating exceptional technical skill and ability, especially in musical performance.

Ballade

A verse form or narrative that is set to music.

Etude

A piece composed for the development of a specific playing technique.

Mazurka

A Polish dance in triple time signature.

Nocturne

An instrumental composition of a pensive, dreamy mood, for the piano.

Polonaise

A slow Polish dance in triple time that consists of a march or procession.

Prelude

A short piece of music that can be used as a preface, and introduction to another work or may stand on its own.

Waltz

A German dance in triple meter.

Impromptu

A short free-form musical composition, usually for a solo instrument, like the piano.

Scherzo

A musical movement of playful character, typically in ABA form.

Sonata

A composition for one or more solo instruments, usually consisting of three or four independent movements varying in key, mood, and tempo.

Program Music

An instrumental composition that conveys images or scenes to tell a short story without text or lyrics; it is meant to entice the imagination of the listener.

Frédéric Chopin

Known as the "Poet of the Piano." Born in Żelazowa, Poland, in 1810. Started playing piano at age 4. Died in 1849 from tuberculosis. Known for expressing love for Poland through his compositions.

Franz Liszt

Known as the "virtuoso pianist." Born in Doborjan, Hungary. Studied in Vienna and Paris, where he performed concerts. Dedicated himself to becoming a virtuoso pianist after hearing Niccolò Paganini perform. Known for his generosity and teaching music for free.

Robert Schumann

One of the most famous Romantic composers who combined music and words beautifully. Born in Zwickau in 1810. Initially went to study law but spent time in musical and literary circles. Co-founded the music journal Neue Zeitschrift für Musik and wrote music criticism. Developed a problem with his hands that ended his dreams as a pianist.

Hector Berlioz

A French Romantic composer, born in 1803. His father, a physician, sent him to medical school, but he pursued music instead. Known for using a large number of musicians to produce a powerful sound, making tone color a basic part of his musical language.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Born in Votkinsk, Russia, in 1840. First studied law and became a law clerk. Rebelled and studied music at the conservatory in St. Petersburg. His fame peaked in the last ten years of his life and he later died due to cholera.

Camille Saint-Saëns

Born in Paris in 1835. Started learning piano at age two with his aunt and began composing a piano piece at age three. Considered a composer who created elegant, neat, clean, polished, and never excessive music. Was an organist and one of the best pianists of his time.

Niccolò Paganini

Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1782. Started playing the mandolin at age five and later the violin. Became the most famous violin virtuoso in the world. Rumors claimed he sold his soul to the devil for his amazing violin skills.