An Overview of the Romantic Era (1820-1900)
The Romantic era developed as a reaction to changes the world saw during the 1800s. From 1760-1840 the world saw a dramatic shift: the Industrial Revolution. People could work in factories, which meant products were made and brought to the public much faster. But the reaction of the public to this highly mechanical and busy new society was just the opposite. Music and literature during this era reflected a sense of nature, individualism, and emotion.
Music during this time had rich, full harmonies and a bigger dynamic range. More chromatic harmonies allowed for dissonances in the music which intensified the emotion of the composition. Composers played with rhythm and syncopation. This can be seen in some of Beethoven’s later work and is one of the reasons Beethoven is viewed as a transitional composer. His early music was Classical, but his later music was Romantic.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent”
Victor Hugo
Program Music
A popular compositional form was Program music. Program music was instrumental music which had a distinctive meaning, often from a poem, legend, or other text. An example of program music is Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Each piece is about a specific season of the year, focusing the listener to imagine something very specific like “summer.” Absolute music is music that doesn’t have a specific idea that it is about. The listener is open to imagine anything.
Lied in the Romantic Era
The Romantic period also enjoyed a large amount of lied (German songs with voice accompanied by piano.) Composers like Robert Schumann, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, and Ludwig van Beethoven were really good at composing lieder.
Critical Thinking Questions
What characteristics define the Romantic Era of music?
How did the industrial revolution influence Romantic music?
What is Program music and how is it different from Absolute music?