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Period: to
Romantic Era
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Genres
The different genres played in the Romantic Era were Anthem, Aria, Ballade (vocal/instrumental), Ballet, Character Piece, Concertos, Etudes, Incidental music, Intermezzo, Lied, March, Mazurka, Minstrel Song, Motets, Music Dramas, Nocturnes, Opera, Operetta, Orchestral Lied, Overture, Piano quartet, Piano trios, Preludes, Program Symphonies, Recitative, Sonata, Song Cycle, String Quartets, String Trios, Symphonic Poem, Symphony, Tone Poem. -
Musical Inventions in the Romantic Era
There weren't any notable musical inventions in the Romantic Period, however there were many improvements made to many already existing instruments. The piano saw many improvements. Tuning for various instruments was refined, Percussion instruments played a much bigger role in progressive music of the century. -
Musical Traits in the Romantic Era
Melodies in the Romantic Era were still somewhat symmetrical, but composers still preferred to write expansive and elongated musical thoughts. However, melody was the focal point still. The many different advancements over time helped harmony in multiple ways. Tonal progressions by thirds became popular. Common forms used were sonata, variations, ritornello and rondo. Different instruments used were the piano, percussion instruments. -
Major Historical Events (Not Music Related)
In 1814, The War of 1812 ends with a Treaty
In 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte dies on St. Helena
In 1836, Anglo Texans are defeated at the Alamo, Texas then declared their independence (Fun Fact: It is Monday and just came back from San Antonio and saw the Alamo!)
In 1845, The Congress of the United States approves the annexation of Texas
In 1863, President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation becomes law
In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated
In 1869, The Suez Canal opens -
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Beethoven is one of the biggest names in "classical" music. Him, Bach, and Mozart are probably the three biggest names in this type of music despite being part of different Eras. In his career he created 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 1 opera, string quartet, masses, concertos, arias, Lieders, Overtures, and other choral and chamber music. -
Modest Musorgsky (1839-1881)
Musorgsky was one of the "Russian Mighty Five". He was the most famous of the 5, and his music is rooted in Russian folksong and lore. He wrote many operas, orchestral works, piano works, Russian songs, and cycles. (Fun Fact: In my High School guitar ensemble, We played "Promenade", "The Hut on Fowl's Leg (Baba Yaga)", and "The Great Gates of Kiev" from "Pictures at an Exhibition"). -
Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909)
Tarrega was a Spanish composer and Classical guitarist from the Romantic Era. He is known as "The Father of Classical Guitar". He created many Etudes, Preludes, Minuets, and other guitar works. Some of his famous ones include "Recuerdos de la Alhambra", "Lagrima", "Capricho Arabe", and "Gran Vals", the last of which is more widely known as the Nokia ring tone. -
Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921)
Camille Saint-Saens, was a French composer, pianist, organist, and writer. He wrote many stage works, choral music, orchestrals, piano works, chamber music, songs and writings. (Fun Fact: In high school I played "Fossiles" from "The Carnival of the Animals" in my guitar ensemble.) -
Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
Faure was a French composer, teacher, keyboardist, he foreshadowed modern tonality and style, and head of the Paris Conservatory. He wrote many stage works, songs, choral music, vocal works, orchestral works, chamber music, piano works, and writings.
