Write: Listen to and write in response to the song as it plays. Focus on what emotion(s) the song seems to appeal to and how it does it . What musical qualities can affect the emotion conveyed by a song (consider human speech: fast and higher pitched = excited or happy; lower and slower = “sad”)? Song: Either “libiamo ne’ lieti calici” by Giuseppe Verdi, or Nocturne in C-sharp minor by Frederic Chopin.

Characteristics of Romanticism Valued emotions and feelings and believed that knowledge can be gained through intuition, rather than reason Emphasized the importance of imagination Expressed reverence for and awe of nature Often depicted exotic people, places, or things and attempted to make the “everyday” extraordinary Celebrated individualism and revolted against forces that restrained the human spirit

Write: How might some of the characteristics of Romanticism be represented in or communicated through the music of the era? What qualities of music might best convey or heighten emotion?

Characteristics of Romantic Music Abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo Greater frequency of novel melodies and chord progression Chromaticism Full symphonic orchestras with greater range of instrumentation Greater range of artistic freedoms and experimentation Unrestrained emotional expression, harnessing any aesthetic techniques required to capture a particular feeling. Famous composers including Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi. Chromaticism is the use of notes that lie outside the scale on which a passage is based. For instance, if a passage is written in the key of C major, the use of any note outside the C major scale (e.g. F sharp) constitutes chromaticism. While Baroque and Classical music typically feature some degree of chromaticism, Romantic music took the effect to new extremes, thereby opening a new world of possibilities for both melodies and chords.

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) Most performed opera composer of the modern era. Elevated the drama in his operas to the level of theatre. Music served to highlight the drama, not vocal talent. Wrote primarily opera serias Music often expressed political ideas and championed marginalized groups Most performed operatic composer of the modern era and widely considered the greatest Italian opera composer. La Traviata in particular is one of the most often performed operas in the world, year in and year out. Elevated drama in his operas to the level of theatre (operas typically were focused more on the music than the drama before the Romantic era). Vocal displays would highlight the drama of the story, rather than showcase the singer’s talent. Wrote primarily Opera Serias (serious operas) Portrayed heroism in characters of marginalized groups Music often expressed political ideas (like Italian nationalism and independence from Austrian control)

“Va Pensiero” – Giuseppe Verdi What language or phrasing is unfamiliar or confusing? What is being described? Who does the speaker seem to be? Context: sung by a chorus of Hebrew slaves in Nabucco. They are lamenting the fall of their homeland, which is under Babylonian control.

Homework: Continue analysis of “Va Pensiero” by conducting Notice and Focus + Ranking on a separate sheet of paper. Instructions on the assignments page of my website if you need them.