Romantic era music

1. WMSU
ROMANTIC
ERA MUSIC
SAMORIN, CHRISTIAN S
BPED 3-B
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2. Introduction to
Romanticism
• Romanticism: A cultural
movement from late 18th to mid-
19th century.
• Emphasis on emotion,
imagination, and individualism.
• Rejection of the
Enlightenment's focus on reason. 2

3. Characteristics of Romantic
Music
- Expressive, emotive music.
- Expansion of orchestras.
- Emphasis on melody and lyrical
themes.
- Use of dissonance for emotional
intensity.
- Nationalism and folklore 3

4. Famous Composers of the
Romantic Era
Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized
December 17, 1770, Bonn, archbishopric
of Cologne [Germany]—died March 26,
1827, Vienna, Austria) was a German
composer, the predominant musical
figure in the transitional period between 4
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770-1827)

5. Famous Composers of the
Romantic Era
Frédéric Chopin (born March 1, 1810 [see
Researcher's Note: Chopin's birth date],
Żelazowa Wola, near Warsaw, Duchy of Warsaw
[now in Poland]—died October 17, 1849, Paris,
France) was a Polish French composer and
pianist of the Romantic period, best known for
his solo pieces for piano and his piano concerti.
4
Frédéric Chopin
(1810–1849)

6. Famous Composers of the
Romantic Era
Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian
composer of the late Classical and early
Romantic eras. Despite his short life, Schubert
left behind a vast oeuvre, including more than
600 secular vocal works, seven complete
symphonies, sacred music, operas, incidental 4
Franz Schubert
(1797–1828)

7. Famous Composers of the
Romantic Era
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-
1893) was a Russian composer most
famous for his symphonies, the ballets
Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The
Nutcracker, and the operas Eugene Onegin
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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
(1840–1893)

8. Famous Composers of the
Romantic Era
Johannes Brahms was a German
composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor
of the mid-Romantic period. His music is
rooted in the structures and compositional
techniques of his Classical forebears,
including Ludwig van Beethoven and
4
Johannes Brahms
(1833–1897)

9. The Expansion of Orchestras
- Romantic composers expanded
the size of the orchestra.
- Instruments added: harp, tuba,
more percussion.
- More varied dynamics and
textures.
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10. Nationalism in Romantic Music
- Nationalist themes became
popular.
- Composers were inspired by folk
tunes and national histories.
- Notable nationalist composers:
Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák.
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11. Program Music vs. Absolute Music
Program Music: Tells a story,
inspired by literature, nature, or
paintings (e.g., Berlioz's
"Symphonie Fantastique").
Absolute Music: Music for its own
sake without an external narrative
(e.g., Brahms’ symphonies).
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12. Romantic Piano Music
- Rise of the piano as a solo
instrument.
- Composers like Chopin and
Liszt wrote technically
challenging pieces.
- Personal, intimate, and
virtuosic performances
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13. Influence on Modern Music
- Romanticism influenced film
scores, operas, and modern
classical compositions.
- Emotion-driven themes and
powerful orchestration are still
prevalent today.
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14. THANK YOU
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