Early Romanticism

1. Early Romanticism

2. Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Born and lived in Vienna during Beethoven�s lifetime. Composed over 900 pieces in 31 years. 600 lieder, mostly published posthumously. Genius for capturing the essence of a poem. Vocal melody and figuration accompaniment (represents something). Also: string quartets, 8 symphonies, choral, operas.

3. Hector Berlioz Entered medical school, but fell in love with music of Beethoven. One of the first music critics. 1840 � Spurned by French as too innovative, demanding, unconventional and emotionally direct. More appreciated by rest of Europe.

4. Berlioz�s Music Best known for his programmatic symphonies. Romeo and Juliet & Symphonie Fantastique Dramatic use of color and atmosphere. Extreme orchestration Requiem � 140 players in orchestra, huge chorus, four groups of brass in four corners of hall. Te Deum � soloists, large orchestra, two choirs (100 singers each), 600 voice children�s choir. Idee Fixe � fixed idea that recurs as a main theme in Berlioz�s music. (Like a tune you can�t get out of your head.)

5. Felix Mendelssohn Born to a Jewish family in Hamburg, Germany. Forced to move to Berlin and converted to Christianity. Home was a center for artists, writers and musicians (hosted weekly concerts). Began studying music at age 10. (Wrote over 100 pieces by age 20.) Interested in music of past. Rediscovered Bach with performance of St. Matthew�s Passion.

6. Mendelssohn�s Music Continued the Classic traditions while adopting the less extreme ideas of Romanticism. Respected and imitated previous masters. 5 symphonies, seven overtures, 2 oratorios (Elijah, St. Paul), choral music, piano pieces (Songs Without Words).

7. Fanny Mendelssohn Hendel Felix�s sister. Composed around 400 pieces despite her father�s disapproval. Women still had far fewer rights and privileges. Published some of her music under Felix�s name. Wrote songs, cantatas, oratorios, chamber pieces, piano music.

8. Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849) Polish composer who gave first concert at age 8. Age 15 � played for Tsar Alexander I First of the great piano virtuosos of the Romantic Period. Wrote deeply patriotic music, almost exclusively for piano. Polish waltzes, mazurkas and polonaises. Also preludes and nocturnes. Toured in 1830 and never returned (Warsaw Uprising).

9. Chopin�s Music Called poetry for piano. Absolute music. Two piano concertos, rest are solo piano. Frequently used sustaining pedal. Melody alternates from left to right hand. Rapid ornamentation and repeated notes. Tempo ebbs and flows. Rubato � �to rob time�

10. Robert Schumann (1819-1856) Attended law school, but drank heavily dropped out. Attended Paganini�s concert and gave up undisciplined life to study piano. Developed device to improve reach, but permanently crippled him. Met and fell in love with his teacher�s daughter, Clara.

11. Schumann�s Music Gift for smaller forms of music. Childlike quality in his music. Character pieces � programmatic pieces for piano that are musical portraits. Four symphonies 140 Lieder in the year 1840 (same year he married Clara). Chamber music Bipolar? Died in insane asylum after trying to commit suicide. (syphilis may have been cause)

12. Clara Schumann (1819-1896) First public performance at age 9. Internationally known by age 20. Gave up music career for Robert and 8 children. 20-30 compositions Piano Trio, character pieces, lieder. Developed deep friendship with Brahms.