1. The Rise of Romanticism
Song 1 , 2

2. Classicism
Classical style originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans and reappeared in the Renaissance (1400 – 1600) and Classical Periods (1750 – 1825).
Classical artists/composers tried to create ideal (perfect) and universal (always in style) works of art that were created with reason and elegance.

3. Self-Reflection Questions for a Classical Artist/Composer
What kind of form should this song be, and how can I be as true as possible to it?
What emotion am I portraying, and how can I portray it as perfectly as possible?
Is my song logically structured on multiple levels (phrase, section, movement, entire work)?
Does my song always remain beautiful and dignified?
Does it relax, invigorate, and inspire?
Could any educated person in any time or place understand and appreciate my song?

4. Rebellion Against the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment, a movement that believed reason and ideals were the solution to mankind’s problems, drove the Classical movement of the 18th century.
Not everyone agreed. Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau criticized the Enlightenment for taking man away from nature and individual instinct.
In the late 18th century the German Sturm und Drang (Storm and Drive) movement began portraying intense and even violent human emotions in literature and music.
Beginning with late Mozart and Haydn, but especially Beethoven and Schubert, music started shifting from Classicism toward Romanticism.

5. Romanticism
Dates:
Doubted that mankind and nature could be explained and tamed through reason.
Valued personal intuition over universal reasoning.
Valued raw emotion over elegant restraint.
Valued the exotic and rare over universal customs.
Rejected traditional forms and examples; valued individualism.

6. Changes in Romantic Music
More focus on virtuosic solo performance (such as in concertos and solo sonatas)
Pushing and breaking the limits of traditional forms like symphony.
Sudden changes in key, tempo, dynamics to express intense emotions.
Music written for less-educated middle class, not noble patrons and churches.
Composers write in personal and national styles (not universal).

7. Self-Reflection Questions for a Romantic Artist/Composer
What am I feeling? How can I express this?
Are there any good legends, exotic or supernatural stories I can use in my song?
What unique sounds can I get out of these instruments? Are there any exotic or new instruments I can use to get new and unique sounds?
Is my song unique, or am I copying someone else? (If so, start over again!)
How does my song express me or my specific culture/ country?

8. Transitional Romantic Composers
Beethoven Schubert Paganini

9. Classical – Romantic Comparison
Universal truth & beauty
Art is ordered on multiple levels, follows traditional forms
Beautiful, restrained, elegant
Idealized, superficial feelings
Uses moderate chords, dynamics, tempos, & stays the same throughout movements
International/Universal style
Written for educated, upper class
Typical plot: Reason saves the day over superstition/emotion
Be true to your heart
Art follows feelings & intuition of artist; disorganized & unique
Raw, dramatic, shocking
Emotional turmoil and passion
Dynamics, keys, tempos change abruptly; use of dissonance and dramatic chords
Individual/Nationalistic style
Written for common, middle- class
Typical plot: Hero’s strength and intuition saves the day (or not)

10. Remember!
Classical music does NOT mean “any kind of orchestra and opera music” when we talk about the Classical Period.
Romantic does NOT mean “music about love” when we are talking about the Romantic Period. It means something more like “dramatic music.”