People Flashcards
Franz Schubert
Transitional composer like Beethoven. Often held “Schubertiads” social gatherings to play music and debate over drinks. Most of his work was not published during his lifetime
Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn
Transitional composer, Jewish family converted to Christianity, credited with re-discovery of Bach’s music, traveled to England, Scotland, and Italy and wrote symphonies based on travels. Fanny not encouraged to follow music as a career. Her pieces were published under Felix’s name
Paganini
rumor that he sold his soul to the devil
Most talented performer of the era. Developed triple stop and other violin techniques. Especially successful with women
Robert Schumann
Talented manic-depressed performer whom injured his hand and chose to begin composing. Not well known during his lifetime.
Clara Schumann
performed often and supported the family, good friends with the Brahms
Chopin
“poet of the piano,” born in Poland and buried with Polish soil, relationship with female author George Sand
Liszt
“Paganini of the Piano,” invented thematic transformations
Berlioz
1st major French Romantic Composer, family wanted him to become a doctor, used Idee fixe in Symphonie fansastique.
Brahms
good friends with the Schumanns, wrote requiem for Robert Schumann and his mother. Considered “old school,” Tchaikovsky referred to him as “giftless”
Tchaikovsky
most famous of all Russian Romantic Composers. Born in small village in Russia, destined for social work. Homosexual tendencies
Smetana
Not very important composer from Czech Republic. The Moldau
Gounod
Only remembered for his version of Ave Maria based on Bach’s C Major prelude.
Dvorak (inc. Music in America article)
Director of National conservatory of Music in NYC, advocated that American composers write with a more “nationalistic” mindset
Romantic Opera: Georges Bizet
Opera composer whom composed romantic opera: serious drama with light comedic tones.
Romantic Opera: French Grand Opera
Epic opera that lasted for more than 4 hours. Featured ballet, large crowd (chorus) scenes.
Romantic Opera: Meyerbeer
Opera composer who composed Les Huguenots, a Grand Opera
Romantic Opera: Opera Lyrique
Dramatic opera presented in a lighter way.
Romantic Opera: Opera Bouffe
Pure comic opera.
Romantic Opera: C.M. von Weber
Austrian/German opera composer.
Romantic Opera: Die Fldedermaus
Lighter opera composed by J. Strauss
Romantic Opera: Rossini
Comic and dramatic opera writer from Italy.
Romantic Opera: Donizetti
another romanic opera composer from Italy.
Romantic Opera: Russian Opera
Full of russian history and folk lore. Rarely fit a compositional style.
Verdi
Dramatic opera composer from Italy. Did not write comedy. One of the most famous opera composers of all time, letter on p. 205
Wagner
German composer. Used letimotiv and music drama, not well-liked, Ring Cycle, theatre in Bayreuth
Wagner: Leitmotiv
Systematic use of recurring thematic content.
Wagner: Music Drama
Where all of the elements of the artistic world would be unified into one fully synthesized work of art.
Wagner: Bayreuth
Opera house constructed especially for Wagner in Bayreuth.
Wagner: The Ring Cycle
Episodal 18hour opera composed by Wagner and performed annually at Wagner’s Opera house in Bayreuth.
Debussy
Impressionist, Prelude to the afternoon of a Faun. Introduced elements of Oriental music into the western world.
Ravel
“Post-Impressionist” French composer inspired by Debussy, arranged pieces for orchestra from other composers.
Puccini
Italy’s most favored opera Composer after Verdi. Wrote more realistic operas
Mahler
Jewish composer from Bohemia. Conducted in NYC, Vienna and Budapest, bridge to 20th century, public conversion to Catholicism to avoid prosecution and secure post as Director of the Vienna State Opera.
Mahler: Conducted in New York
Conducted the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic.
Bruckner
Compositions influenced by Bach, Wagner and Palestrina. Did not perfect composition skills until he was older.
Sibelius
Finland’s most famous composer. Very nationalistic. Learned in violin.
Strauss
Composer compared often with Mahler. Yet Strauss wrote with more of a programmatic sense. “Also sprach Zarathrustra”
Rachmaninov
excellent pianist, Russian. Much confusion on his name.
Elgar
British Composer that wrote “Pomp and Circumstance” graduation song
Holst
Important composer for wind band. Composed “The Planets,” which inspired the composer for the Star Wars soundtrack.
