Piano music from Romantic Period

Question 1

When was the Romantic Period?

Answer 1

1820ish - c.1910

Question 2

Describe the role of the piano in the Romantic Period and composers who used it

Answer 2

1) It was an important instrument in the Romantic era
2) Many composers wrote solo piano pieces or group of pieces
3) Chopin and Schumann used it

Question 3

Describe what Chopin did

Answer 3

• wrote mostly for piano
• wrote collections of short pieces (into books or albums)
• e.g waltz, mazurkas, polonaises, preludes)

Question 4

Name the characteristics of the Romantic Period

Answer 4

1. Uses a wide range of modern piano for colour + contrast
2. Often very difficult to perform - technically challenging (virtuosic)
3. The tempo of music changes a lot (rubato)
4. Music often uses interesting change of key (modulation)
5. Groups of pieces linked together e.g dances, waltzes etc.
6. . Groups of pieces linked together as images/character/stories (programme music)
7. Very detailed articulations + dynamics put in by the composers (written in for staccato or legato)