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 Used aspects of Classical form when it served its purpose, but not at the expense of personal expression Realism--music tells a story Nationalism--music reflects aspects of a particular culture and/or its history Explored musical tension as a means to create an intense emotional response Harmonies included more chromaticism and 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

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sonatas Wrote one opera, Fidelio Wrote 9 Symphonies Eroica Symphony Originally dedicated to Napoleon; dedication was retracted later when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGqRczMf2Yc 9th Symphony Incorporates chorus—an element previously unheard of Uses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

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

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

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. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbvUegf-sw

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 Guten Abend Gut’ Nacht: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDGmBfy0sX0

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

Hector Berlioz 1803-1869 French Composer and music critic--wrote for Parisian newspapers Wrote several essays on his philosophy of music Most well-known for Symphonie Fantastique, an excellent example of program music Program music--a musical representation of a literary idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVUAR8Nk8xQ