romantic & 20th century

classical to romantic

form/restraint to commercialization/entrepreneurial aspects, science/mind/theory based

the romantic period was geared towards

middle class

what started to become widely accessible in the romantic period?

art songs, pianos were in every home

status of composers changed in the romantic period

music was more of a calling than an occupation

orchestra in the romantic period

expansive, more color and tone

in the late 1800s, women could

study composition

in the mid 1800s, conservatories

were based in America

big aspect of romantic

composers were interested in fantasy and emotion within their music, matched whatever the composer was feeling

programatic music

people/things/drama, implied meaning beyond, music told stories. inspiration took over, and God was left out

absolute music

just for enjoyment, not an elicit feeling

fixed idea

reoccurring theme, ex: symphony fantastique

incidental music

accompanied in the background, not super significant to the plot

popular in the romantic period

lots of dynamics, more chromatic harmonies, song cycles, strophic songs, programatic music, symphonic poems

Schumann

Known for his intensely personal and expressive piano works, art songs, and symphonies. He is recognized for bridging the gap between classical structure and the emotional depth of the Romantic movement.

Dvořák

Known for incorporating Czech folk music into his compositions during the romantic era. He achieved international recognition, particularly for his symphonies, chamber music, and operas, including Rusalka.

Tchaikovsky

Known for his emotionally expressive and melodious compositions during the romantic period. He is celebrated for his ballets like Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker, as well as his symphonies, operas, and other orchestral works. He was the first Russian composer whose music achieved international recognition.

Johann Strauss

Austrian composer in the romantic period who was best known for his waltzes.

Chopin

Best known for his piano compositions as well as mazurkas in the romantic era. He took literary ideas from the medieval period (sensual and earthiness).

Liszt

Hungarian composer in the romantic era who was best known for his symphonic poems.

Wagner

Known for his big and long operas and symphonic poems in the Romantic period.

gesamtkunstwerk

"total work of art," concept, created by Wagner, which aimed to integrate all artistic elements (music, drama, poetry, visual design) into a unified whole.

Mendelson

Jewish composer who did end up becoming a Christian, he is known for his big oratorios in the romantic period. He bridged the Classical and Romantic styles, with works like his "Midsummer Night's Dream" overture and his "Italian" and "Scottish" symphonies.

Puccini

Italian composer who composed “Madame Butterfly” and closely associated with the verismo movement, which emphasized realism and emotional intensity in opera. He bridged the romantic and 20th century eras.

Sibelius

He is considered a major figure in Finnish music and is credited with helping to shape the country's national identity. He bridged the Romantic and 20th century eras.