Chapter 15 Prelude: Music after Beethoven: Romanticism Form in Romantic Music

Key Terms Miniatures “Grandiose”compositions Thematic unity Thematic transformation

Form in Romantic Music Individual spontaneity was a central goal Music should bubble out like churning emotion, irrepressible & untrammeled How do you control spontaneity? Music must have enough coherence that listeners can follow along Many standard form-types were used But used loosely – with few clear cadences, themes often blend into one another

“Miniature” Compositions Pieces that last only a few minutes Mostly songs & short piano pieces They convey a particular, momentary emotion A short, meaningful glance, not a lengthy dissertation A variety of titles were used— General titles – Impromptu or Capriccio Dance titles – Mazurka or Polonaise Programmatic titles – To a Wild Rose, Years of Pilgrimage, Spring Song, or The Poet Speaks

“Grandiose” Compositions Diametrically opposed to miniatures Larger & larger symphonies, cantatas, etc. More movements, increased performing forces, longer time span, and so on Often blended music with poetry, philosophical or religious ideas, & dramatic action Berlioz’s 90-minute Romeo & Juliet symphony Wagner’s 19-hour, 4-opera Ring cycle

“Miniature” vs. “Grandiose” Problem of spontaneity vs. form? Miniature works bypass the problem Work ends before the listener begins to wonder where the music is going Grandiose works draw on extramusical factors The text or a program can provide a coherent story & ideas Music adds emotional conviction

The Principle of Thematic Unity (1) Increasing tendency to use themes throughout entire works Literal, obvious return possible Scherzo return in Beethoven’s 5th Symphony New versions of a theme might be used Thematic transformation – a type of variation Permits greater spontaneity Looser relationships also possible Mysterious, vague, yet organic similarities

The Principle of Thematic Unity (2) Vague similarities are most typical Vagueness is preferred over clarity Suggestion over outright statement Atmosphere over discourse Feeling over form These go to the heart of Romanticism The spontaneous “inner form” of an individual piece is tied to principle of thematic unity Romantic music requires listeners who are imaginative, exploratory, & a bit fanciful