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The Romantic Era

The Romantic Era. Characteristics. Emphasis on the search for free expression of personal feelings A revolt against convention and authority Formal perfection was no longer the top priority

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The Romantic Era

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  1. The Romantic Era

  2. Characteristics • Emphasis on the search for free expression of personal feelings • A revolt against convention and authority • Formal perfection was no longer the top priority • Used aspects of Classical form when it served its purpose, but not at the expense of personal expression • Realism • Nationalism • Explored musical tension as a means to create an intense emotional response • Harmonies included more chromaticismand dissonance • Melodies were intensified by choice of tone color • Art Songs—individual solo songs set to poetry • Often combined music with extramusical ideas • Strophic: stanzas of the poem are set to the same melody

  3. Beethoven • Transitional figure from Classical to Romantic • 1770-1827 • Born in Bonn, Germany • Young prodigy; talents were exploited by father who tried to manage his musical career • Employed as a court musician in his early teens • Settled in Vienna in 1792 • Known as a pianist more than a composer throughout his life • Early compositions followed Classical style • Wrote many piano pieces, primarily sonatas • Wrote one opera, Fidelio • Wrote 9 Symphonies • Eroica Symphony • Originally dedicated to Napoleon; dedication was retracted later when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lWambh7tXA • 9th Symphony • Incorporates chorus—an element previously unheard of • Uses poetry of Friederich Schiller—”Ode to Joy” • Wrote after he went deaf • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4N5-OALObk

  4. Franz Schubert • 1797-1828 • Born in Vienna • Lived much of his life in poverty • Not employed by any institutions or patrons • Barely made a living as a teacher • Sold few compositions to publishers • Had a few commissions for works • Wrote over 600 Lieder (art songs) • Generally written for solo voice and piano • Musical setting of a poem or other secular text • Intended for concert/recital performance • Erlkonig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDsdwjVgYUI • Wrote 10 Symphonies • Wrote church music, operas, chamber music, solo piano music

  5. Frederic Chopin • 1810-1849 • Born in Warsaw, Poland but settled in Paris at age 21 • Known almost exclusively as a composer for piano • Was also a sought-after piano teacher • Typically wrote works that were short with titles that suggested a mood • Intended for intimate performances in the salons of aristocrats instead of the concert hall • He explored the timbre of the piano, especially the singing quality necessary to play his melodies • His works illustrate the use of harmonic tension and release typical of Romantic compositions • Wrote nocturnes, scherzos, preludes, etudes as well as polonaises, mazurkas, and waltzes (all folk dances) • Revolutionary Etude • Written in 1831 on the occasion of the Russians taking Warsaw, Poland • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6iXQ5_MCA

  6. Robert Schumann • 1810-1856 • Born in Zwickau, Germany • Began composing as a child • Studied literature as well as music • Planned to be a concert pianist, but injured his right hand. Following his injury, he concentrated on composition • Most famous works are for solo piano or Lieder (solo voice and piano) • Also wrote four symphonies • His wife, Clara, was also a composer and pianist • Suffered from mental illness; attempted suicide by throwing himself off a bridge. He was taken to a sanatorium, where he remained until his death. • ImWunderschonenMonat Mai • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbvUegf-sw

  7. Johannes Brahms • 1833-1897 • Born in Hamburg, Germany • Made a living playing horn and string bass. Also played piano and cello, and conducted choirs and orchestras. • Popular in Vienna • Good friend of the Schumann’s; after Robert was sent to the sanatorium, he lived with Clara to help with the children. The two are rumored to have had a romantic involvement. • Utilized traditional forms with Romantic harmonic language • Wrote for orchestra (symphonies, concertos, overtures), piano (sonatas, intermezzos), choir (Requiem is most popular), and over 200 Lieder • Intermezzo Opus 118 No. 2 (for piano): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h4Re5WBEAc&feature=kp • GutenAbend Gut’ Nacht: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDGmBfy0sX0

  8. Gustav Mahler • 1860-1911 • Born in Kalischt, Bohemia (formerly in Austria, now in Czech Republic) • Began playing piano at age 4 and was soon known for his musical skills • Attended Vienna Conservatory • Attained several positions as a conductor of various opera houses, including the Vienna Court Opera and Leipzig Opera • Also worked briefly as director for the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic • Was the target anti-Semitic press • Known for his symphonies and Lieder • Das Lied von der Erde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVe8Kh1H7w • Finale from Sympony #8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGUL0x3068

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