1. 1820-1914 THE ROMANTIC ERA

2. Important Composers and the Piano http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKgBdrsqvjs Frédéric Chopin 1810-1849 Johannes Brahms 1833-1897 Franz Liszt 1811-1886

3. Frederic Chopin and the Nocturne Polish, lived in Warsaw “Poet of the Piano” Prodigy in piano performance and composition Political unrest and “Great Emigration” sent him to Paris around age 20. Preferred intimate, salon performances Supported himself independently by selling compositions and teaching piano. Known for innovating the NOCTURNE: “a musical composition inspired by, or evocative of, the night” Lyrical melody in the right hand “broken chords” in the left hand (rhythmic accompaniment and support) Use of pedal and rubato Inspiration drawn from Baroque counterpoint and Classical sonata! Wrote a collection of 21 Nocturne’s from 1827-1846 Considered some of the finest nocturne’s in history, still often performed.

4. Johannes Brahms and the Concerto German, born in Hamburg, but spent much of life in Vienna (Austria) Virtuosic pianist and composer, great leader. Lasting influence: One of the “Three Bs” Bach, Beethoven, Brahms Loved history: honored the “purity” of counterpoint and development, while innovating them with Romantic style! Was a perfectionist, often struggled. Took years to complete music, often re-wrote entire movements! Wrote 2 concerti for piano (over the span of 22 years!) A piece of music to showcase the ability of one instrument Often in ritornello form, “tutti – solo – tutti – solo” NEW Romantic ideas! Bigger, longer, grander! Orchestra featured just as importantly as soloist Piano solo does not enter until after four full minutes! 40-50 minutes long for three movements Three OR four movements!

5. Franz Liszt and Nationalism Hungarian Known for composing, transcribing/arranging, conducing, and teaching… BUT most famous for virtuosic piano performance Liszt-o-mania or Liszt Fever (coined in 1844) “most technically advanced pianist of his age” Influential in composition for dramatic “thematic transformation” One of the leaders of musical nationalism Writing music with particular characteristics or styles that reflect love of (or pride in) one’s homeland Often inspired by folk music/learning by rote/childhood experiences Ex: “Gypsy Scale” (similar to minor tonality, but a “raised fouth”)

6. Waltz Comparison Brahms – Waltz in Ab Liszt – Waltz No. 1