Module 2: Music of the Romantic Period: A Romantic Life of Frederic Chopin

Romantic Period

An era (1830–1900) emphasizing emotion, expression, and individualism in music

Romantic Music Characteristics

Expressive, dramatic, emotional, narrative, less strict forms, rich harmonies

Performance Practice (Romantic)

Focus on emotional expression, storytelling, and virtuosic playing

Nationalism in Romantic Music

Composers used folk melodies, dances, and themes to express pride for their nation

Frederic Chopin

Polish-French Romantic composer known for piano works

Chopin Birth Date

March 1, 1810

Chopin Death Date

October 17, 1849

Chopin Birthplace

Zelazowa Wola, Poland

Chopin Famous Works

Fantasie in F minor, Revolutionary Etude, 24 Preludes

Chopin Instrument

Primarily composed for piano

Ballade

Narrative composition set to music

Etude

Piece designed to develop musical technique

Mazurka

Polish dance in triple meter

Nocturne

Pensive, dreamy piano composition

Polonaise

Slow Polish dance in triple meter

Prelude

Short piece used as introduction or standalone work

Waltz

German dance in triple meter

Impromptu

Free-form musical composition for solo instrument

Scherzo

Playful musical movement in ABA form

Sonata

Multi-movement work for solo instrument(s) with contrasting keys, moods, and tempos

Fantaisie Impromptu Op. 66

Piano composition written in 1834, published posthumously

Reason It Was Not Published

Chopin felt it resembled Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata

Julian Fontana

Chopin’s friend who published Fantaisie Impromptu after his death

Romantic Era Dates

1830–1900

Virtuoso

Highly skilled performer; Liszt is an example

Romantic Era Traits

Freedom in writing, emotional expression, variety of forms, expressive textures

Which instrument Chopin wrote most for

Piano

Nationalism

Strong pride in one’s own nation