Romantic Era Instruments (1820-1900)
Romantic Era Music Instruments: An Overview
Romantic era music instruments allowed composers to create emotional and dynamic music. The grand piano was reinforced with a steel frame, increasing its dynamic range. Orchestras were larger and sometimes included cannons. There were also some newly invented instruments, such as the saxophone.
The Use of Cannons in Romantic Music
Some composers used cannons to create a Nationalistic effect in their compositions. An example of this was in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (written in 1880). It was composed to celebrate the Russian victory over Napoleon in 1812. Beethoven also used cannons in his Battle Symphony (1813). It calls for artillery effects, which included cannons, to depict the Battle of Vitoria.
Newly Invented Romantic Era Instruments
Saxophone
The Romantic era also saw the invention of some important new instruments. The saxophone was invented in the mid-19th century by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax. The saxophone was originally intended for use in military bands, but it soon found a place in classical music as well. The saxophone’s warm and expressive sound has made it a popular instrument in jazz and popular music today. The saxophone looks like a brass instrument, but is actually a woodwind because it uses a reed.
Popular Romantic Compositions using the Saxophone
Georges Bizet – L’Arlésienne Suites No. 1 and No. 2 (1872): Features a prominent and lyrical alto saxophone solo in the Prélude (the “L’Innocent” theme).
Jules Demersseman – Fantaisie sur un thème original, Op. 32 (1866): One of the earliest dedicated solos written to showcase the saxophone.
Grand Piano
Another important instrument that emerged during the Romantic era was the concert grand piano. This instrument was much larger than earlier pianos and allowed for greater dynamic range and expressive possibilities. Chopin and Liszt wrote many pieces that showcased the piano’s capabilities.
Popular Romantic Compositions using the Piano
Johannes Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 (1881): One of the most physically demanding piano concertos written.
Frédéric Chopin – Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2 (1832): One of the most famous piano pieces, loved for its memorable melody and ease of playing.
For more information about the piano, see Baroque Instruments
The Tuba
Wilhelm Friedrich Wieprecht invented the tuba in 1835. It is the lowest-pitched brass instrument. The original tuba used five valves. Before the invention of valves, notes had to be part of the harmonic series.
Popular Romantic Compositions using the Tuba
Hector Berlioz – Symphonie fantastique (1830, revised later): During the fifth movement, Witches’ Sabbath, tubas perform the Gregorian Dies irae (Day of Wrath) theme.
Modest Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition (1874, orchestrated by Maurice Ravel in 1922): The Bydlo movement features one of the most famous, high-register orchestral tuba solos in history.
Richard Wagner – The Ring Cycle (1848–1874): Wagner created a dedicated “contrabass tuba” highlight in his massive opera orchestrations. The tuba was the leitmotif voice for the dragon Fafner in Siegfried.
Critical Thinking Questions
- What new Romantic-era music instruments were invented or improved upon?
- What instrument had five valves which made low-pitched playing easier?
- What woodwind instrument was invented by Adolphe Sax?