General Comparisons: Romantic and Classical Flashcards
Which was the most important structure in the Classical era?
Sonata form.
How does Romantic structure differ to Classical?
Whereas the Classical era emphasised on proportion and balance, Romantic music enjoyed further exploration and freedom in often extended structures.
Which tonality was more widely used in the Classical era?
Major (minor keys were mainly used for contrast).
How do Romantic tonalities differ to Classical?
They are more adventurous and chromatic, using increasingly more dissonance.
Which texture was predominantly used in the Classical era?
Melody-dominated homophony.
Describe the textures in the Classical era.
Lighter, less complex; they allow the melody to be the focal point (melody-dominated homophony).
Describe Romantically-orientated textures.
Denser in terms of orchestral resources, exploring wider ranges of timbres and tone-colours.
How do Classical and Romantic melodies differ?
Classical melodies tend to be shorter and simpler with more balanced phrases (punctuated by cadences).
Romantic melodies are more lyrical and song-like.
How is harmony presented in both Classical and Romantic styles?
Classical: more clearly defined (functional harmony), used to illustrate structure, and also add a little colour.
Romantic: harmony is more complex, with its function more ambiguous and les reliant on cadential definition.
How is tempo and rhythm presented in the Classical era?
Employs a great deal of rhythmic figuration and repetition.
How does Romantic tempo and rhythm differ to Classical?
Less constrained; more interpretive freedom, rubato and changing metres.
How does instrumentation change during the Romantic era?
Orchestra dramatically increased in size.
Greater reliance on the brass and woodwind.
No basso continuo.
Emphasis on virtuosity.
