Romantic Period

(1820-1900)

In the Romantic period, composers were more interested in writing emotional pieces than in following the rules set down in the Classical period.

Romantic music often features great dynamic contrast and flexibility of tempo.

Two important types of music that were developed in the Romantic period were the art song and program music.

Art Song- a short, expressive, solo vocal piece accompanied by piano.

Program Music- an instrumental piece that tells a story. The story is written in the program.

The stories that accompany program music often emphasize emotion, excess, the importance of nature and the existence of the supernatural.

A few important Romantic composers: Click here to view homework.

Franz Schubert- (1797-1828)

Robert Schumann- (1810-1856

Richard Wagner- (1813-1883)

Franz Liszt- (1811-1886)

Frederic Chopin- (1810-1849)

Johannes Brahms- (1833-1897)

Felix Mendelssohn- (1809-1847)

Peter Tchaikovsky- (1840-1893)

Richard Strauss- (1864-1949)

Hector Berlioz- (1803-1869)

Symphonie Fantastique

Programmatic symphony written by Hector Berlioz. Each movement tells a part of the story.

Main Characters- The guy (autobiographical), the Beloved

Idée Fixe- a musical theme tied to something in the story. In this case, it’s tied to the Beloved.

1. Dreams and Passions

2. The Ball

3. Scene in the Country

4. March to the Scaffold

5. Dreams of a Sabbath Night