Romantic Music Period

Around 1800-1900

Pieces of music were more expressive and passionate.

Composers wrote music for the lower and middle classes. Not for the wealthy.

More creativity and imagination in music writing

Focus on sing-able melodies Larger orchestras

Characteristics:

Strong connection to other art forms (poetry, painting, fairytales, etc.)

Dramatic contrasts in songs Longer songs with reoccurring themes Advances in technology such as new

instruments, recordings, electricity, advanced piano

Pride or devotion to your own country

Composers added elements unique to their own culture

Nationalism

Both Romantic and Classical Periods German composer and pianist Forced to practice by his father Started becoming deaf around age 26. Wrote: “Fur Elise”, “Moonlight Sonata”,

“Ninth Symphony” (when he was completely deaf)

Ludwig van Beethoven

Wrote “Requiem in D minor” French composer Was known as an organist, pianist and

teacher

Gabriel Faure

German composer and pianist Spent much of his life in Vienna, Austria Wrote: “German Requiem” and “Brahms

Lullaby” Very nationalistic composer

Johannes Brahms

French composer Known for ignoring the rules of music Wrote: “Symphonie Fantastique” and his

Requiem which was called “Grande Messe des morts”

Hector Berlioz

German composer known for his operas Very nationalistic Wrote The Ring Cycle which is titled “Der

Ring des Nibelungen” (The Ring of the Nibelung). The cycle Includes these four operas:

1. Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold)2. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie)3. Siegfried4. Götterdämmerung (The Twilight of the Gods)

Richard Wagner