Musicianship III Romantic Period Written Exam Unit One 2025 Flashcards
(54 cards)
What characterized the Romantic era in music?
Shift towards individual expression, emotional depth, dramatic contrasts
The Romantic era spanned approximately from 1820 to 1910.
List key characteristics of Romantic music.
- Expansion of form
- Lush, expressive melodies
- Expanded orchestration
- Rich chromaticism
- Nationalism
- Programmatic music
- Personal expression
Who composed Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 (‘Eroica’)?
Ludwig van Beethoven
This symphony marked a radical shift from Classical form.
What is the significance of Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 (‘Unfinished’)?
Emphasizes lyrical themes and dramatic harmonic shifts
It is considered one of the earliest truly Romantic symphonies.
Which composer is known for incorporating African American spirituals in their work?
Antonín Dvořák
His Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (‘From the New World’) features these influences.
What notable technique is used by Richard Wagner in his compositions?
Leitmotifs
These are recurring musical themes associated with characters or ideas.
Fill in the blank: The movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (‘Pathétique’) is characterized by a _______.
tragic, introspective finale
What is the difference between programmatic music and absolute music?
- Programmatic music tells a story
- Absolute music exists for its own sake
Which composer used the idea of thematic transformation in their works?
Hector Berlioz
This is evident in his Symphonie Fantastique.
True or False: The Romantic era saw a decrease in the size of orchestras.
False
Orchestras expanded in size and instrumentation during this period.
In which year was Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ composed?
1893
Identify one of the key themes of Romantic nationalism in music.
Incorporation of folk melodies and cultural themes
This trend was significant in the works of composers like Smetana and Dvořák.
What innovative aspect did Beethoven introduce in his Symphony No. 3 (‘Eroica’)?
Heroic narrative and unprecedented length
This symphony was a major shift towards Romantic ideals.
Fill in the blank: The Overture to ‘La Forza del Destino’ by Verdi is known for its _______.
operatic drama and intense contrasts
What was the impact of the Romantic era on 20th-century music?
It led to explorations in tonality and form, influencing Impressionism and Modernism.
Which composer is associated with the symphonic poem format?
Franz Liszt
His work ‘Les Préludes’ is one of the earliest examples.
What is a defining feature of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1?
Blending Classical structure with Romantic expressiveness
True or False: The audience’s role in the Romantic era was primarily as court entertainment.
False
Music became more accessible to middle-class audiences in public concert halls.
List two composers known for their contributions to orchestration in the Romantic period.
- Hector Berlioz
- Rimsky-Korsakov
What is the significance of chromaticism in Romantic music?
Expanded harmonic language beyond the diatonic system
This included increased modulations and unresolved dissonances.
Fill in the blank: The movement of ‘Vltava’ from Má vlast by Smetana represents the journey of a _______.
river
What is the significance of the term ‘ro con fuoco’ in music?
A dramatic, energetic finale that combines folk rhythms, brass fanfares, and sweeping string lines.
What musical traditions does the use of the Pentatonic Scale resemble?
Native American and African American musical traditions.
Who was seen as the successor to Beethoven and blended Classical structures with Romantic expressiveness?
Johannes Brahms.
