Romantic Flashcards
(22 cards)
1827-1900
Romantic period (time frame)
romantic music emphasis
emphasis on emotion, individuality, and imagination over structure and balance. (which period?)
Romantic music inspiration
nature, literature, nationalism, and personal expression.
(inspired what period)
Romantic orchestration
orchestra expanded in size and variety of instruments (what period)
Key Romantic composer
chopin: nocturne in e-flat major
tchaikovsky: 1812 overture
(in which period composed?)
describe Chopin Nocturne in E-flat Major
lyrical, flowing, emotional, and intimate. (chopin, romantic)
describe Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture
dramatic, nationalistic, full of contrast and colorful orchestration.
describe characteristic of Romantic period: melody
Long, expressive, emotional.
describe characteristic of Romantic period: dynamics
Wide range (from very soft to very loud).
describe characteristic of Romantic period: texture
Mostly homophonic, but more layered and rich than Classical
describe characteristic of Romantic period: form
Looser forms; composers favored expression over strict structure.
describe characteristic of Romantic period: harmony
More complex and adventurous (frequent modulations
describe characteristic of Romantic period: timbre
A broader orchestral palette, with more diverse instruments
describe characteristic of Romantic period: rhythm
More flexible, often using rubato.
describe characteristic of Romantic period: inspiration
Nature, storytelling, national pride, and personal emotion
describe Chopin’s Nocturne in E-fl at Major
solo piano, gentle, expressive, emotional
lyrical, ornamented, embellished, tonal, modulated, subtle harmonic shifts, slow tempo, rubato, gradual crescendos and decrescendos, homophonic, warm and intimate tone, dreamy and introspective mood
(nocturne or 1812 oveture?)
describe Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
full orchestra with cannons and bells, energetic, patriotic, dramatic with strong contrasts.
Extreme dynamic contrasts
Rich orchestration
Program music (tells a story without words)
(nocturne or 1812 oveture?)
How does Romantic music differ from Classical music in terms of structure and emotion?
Romantic: emotional, expressive, flexible forms
Classical: balanced, structured, formal clarity
Romantic music is generally less structured and more emotionally expansive than Classical music. While Classical composers emphasized form, balance, and clarity, Romantic composers often broke traditional forms to allow for greater personal expression, drama, and individuality. Romantic works feature freer structures, longer, more expressive melodies, and rich harmonies that explore deeper emotional states.
What role did nature play in inspiring Romantic composers? Give an example.
Symbol of emotion, freedom, sublime
Example: Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony (countryside scenes)
How does Chopin’s music reflect Romantic ideals?
Emotional, lyrical melodies, rubato, solo piano, personal expression
Describe how Tchaikovsky used dynamics and instrumentation in the 1812 Overture.
Extreme dynamics, cannons, bells, large brass, dramatic contrast
What is rubato, and how does it enhance expression in Romantic music?
Flexible tempo, expressive timing, emotional shaping of melody
