Romantic Movement (in music)
The Romantic Period in Music - The Romantic Period in music started in the late 18th century
and was a major style in the 1800s. It’s not about love songs—“romantic” here comes from the
French word roman, meaning novel. This period followed the Classical era, which focused on
elegance and formal structures. Romantic music, on the other hand, was about breaking rules
and experimenting with new ideas.
What Was Romantic Music Like? - Romantic music was emotional, dramatic, and expressive.
Composers expanded Classical forms, making pieces longer, more dynamic, and less repetitive.
Operas started to include real-life events and historical stories.
National Pride in Music - Many composers used their music to show love for their countries.
For example, Chopin included Polish folk songs in his mazurkas, and Sibelius celebrated Finland
with his piece Finlandia.
Music with a Purpose - Romantic composers wanted their music to make listeners feel
something. They used tools like changes in tempo, dynamics, and minor keys to create specific
moods—sadness, joy, or awe. Music often aimed to paint a picture or tell a story, like a sunrise
or a waterfall. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, for instance, evokes the calm beauty of moonlight.
A Bridge Between Eras - Beethoven and Schubert were key figures who connected the Classical
and Romantic eras. Their music evolved from the structured style of the Classical period to the
emotional depth of Romanticism.
Independent Composers and “Celebrities - In the Romantic era, composers were no longer
just supported by rich patrons or churches. Many worked independently, becoming famous
“celebrity composers.” Performers like violinist Nicolo Paganini amazed audiences with their skill
and even inspired legends, like the claim that the Devil helped Paganini play!
Famous Romantic Composers
• Franz Liszt (1811–1886): A piano genius who wrote extremely difficult pieces.
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893): Known for The Nutcracker and elevating ballet to an
art form.
• Franz Schubert (1797–1823): One of the first true Romantic composers. He wrote hundreds
of songs (lieder) and powerful works, even as his health declined.
Schubert’s Masterpieces - Schubert’s Der Erlkönig is a famous Romantic song based on a scary
folk tale. The piano mimics a galloping horse as a father and son ride through a dark forest. In
another work, Death and the Maiden, Schubert explores themes of life and death with haunting
intensity.
Fryderyk Chopin: A Life in Music - Fryderyk Chopin (1810–1849) was a Polish composer and
pianist, celebrated for his piano masterpieces that remain beloved worldwide. Born near
Warsaw, he showed exceptional talent as a child and gained fame performing for nobility. At 20,
he moved to Paris, where he composed, taught wealthy students, and avoided public
performances, preferring intimate gatherings.
Chopin had a turbulent relationship with writer George Sand and battled poor health
throughout his life. He died of tuberculosis at 39, with thousands attending his funeral in Paris.
Chopin's Music - Chopin's works transformed piano music, fusing emotional depth with
technical mastery. Here are some of his notable compositions:
Preludes: 24 pieces with unique moods; Prelude No. 4 is notably melancholic.
Nocturnes: 21 introspective pieces inspired by night; Nocturne No. 2 is a favorite.
Études: Short pieces for technique that became emotional masterpieces; Étude No. 3 is
famous for its melody.
Waltzes: 36 concert pieces based on dance; Waltz No. 1 in A Minor is prominent.
Polonaises: 18 pieces reflecting his love for Poland; includes the Military Polonaise.
Mazurkas: 59 vibrant pieces inspired by Polish dance, like Mazurka in D Major.
