Romantic Era Composers (1820-1900)

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

One of the most prominent Romantic era composers was Frédéric Chopin. His works for the piano are known for their lyricism, virtuosity, and emotional expressiveness. Chopin’s music is still widely studied and performed today, and his influence can be seen in the works of later composers such as Rachmaninoff and Debussy. Some of his most famous pieces were “Nocturne No. 2 in Eb,” “27 Etudes,” and “Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66.” Chopin is unique in that he composed mostly piano music.

Life

Chopin was born near Warsaw in what is now considered Poland. He was considered a child prodigy and had already been composing as a teen. He left Poland at the age of 20, less than a month before the November 1830 Uprising.

Chopin settled in Paris, but only gave thirty public performances. He favored the intimacy of the salon. Salon’s were gatherings in private homes hosted by a host and was aimed to be a gathering of education and philosophical enrichment.

Chopin taught private piano lessons and formed a friendship with Franz Liszt. He was greatly admired. Robert Schumann once introduced him saying, “Hat’s off, gentleman – A genius!” His engagement to Maria Wodzinska from 1836 to 1837 did not end up in marriage. Later he would have a troubled relationship with the author “George Sand” whose real name was Aurore Dupin. Jane Stirling gave him financial support during the later years of his life. Chopin was in poor health and died in Paris at the young age of 39 of tuberculosis.

Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2

Chopin composed many memorable pieces that are still performed today. Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2, is played by many intermediate pianists. What feeling do you think the melody conveys?

Chopin’s Contribution to Piano

Chopin was a genius at combining melodies with rich harmonies that created peaceful moods. His piano repertoire was prolific. Chopin wrote over 230 piano pieces, including 59 Mazurkas, 27 Etudes, 27 Preludes, 21 Nocturnes, 20 Waltzes, 4 Ballades, 4 Impromptus, 4 Scherzos, and 3 Piano Sonatas.

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Another significant German composer of the Romantic era was Johannes Brahms. Brahms’s music is known for its complex harmonies, rich textures, and emotional depth. His works, which range from solo piano pieces to symphonies and chamber music, are considered some of the finest examples of the Romantic era. Brahms once said, “Without craftmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.” He was considered a “traditionalist” because his compositional techniques were influenced by the classical composers before him. He became friends with Clara and Robert Schumann, who were also famous composers. Robert Schumann suffered from mental health issues and was put in an asylum, but Brahms stayed friends with Clara for many years. Some believe Clara and Brahms were really in love.

Life

Johannes Brahms was born on May 7, 1833, in Hamburg, Germany. His father was a horn and double bass player, so he grew up around music. He began taking piano lessons when he was seven. As a teenager, he performed at inns and composed on the side. He eventually met composer Robert Schumann, and they became very good friends. Schumann wrote about Brahms in Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, elevating Brahms’ career. At the time, there were two schools of thought concerning music, and Brahms was considered a more conservative and traditional composer. Robert Schumann became mentally ill in 1854, so Brahms spent the next years helping his wife, Clara, manage their household. Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms would never marry, even though there are letters between the two which would suggest they had fallen in love.

Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847)

One notable Romantic era female composer was Fanny Mendelssohn. Fanny Mendelssohn was the older sister of the famous composer, Felix Mendelssohn. Her piano playing was very good and although she married and had a family, she still composed many works including more than 125 piano pieces, an orchestral overture, cantatas, and over 250 lieder. Most of Fanny’s work was left unpublished during her lifetime. She rarely gave performances, and due to the social expectations of women during the Romantic era, six of her compositions were published under her brother’s name. In 1829, she married Wilhem Hensel and took the name Fanny Hensel. The following year she had a child, Sebastian Hensel. Fanny Mendelssohn died of a stroke in 1847 at the age of 41.