Romantic Piano Features

Question 1

What kind of dynamics are typical of the romantic period?

Answer 1

Dynamic contrast.

Dynamics and tempo/texture changes change at the same points.

Question 2

What are the typical rhythmic and metric features of romantic pieces?

Answer 2

Dance-like rhythms.
Siciliana rhythms.
Cross rhythms.
Hemiolas.
Syncopation.
Rubato.

Question 3

What structures and forms would you expect to see in the romantic period?

Answer 3

Simple sections (ABABA).
Episodic forms.
Binary and Ternary form.
Periodic phrasing.
Uneven phrasing.

Question 4

What are typical melodic features found in the romantic period?

Answer 4

Lyrical.
Lots of ornamentation.
Long phrases.
Anticipations, arpeggios, acciaccaturas, auxiliary notes.
Suspensions, pedals, open 5ths and 4ths.
Conjunct and disjunct.
Chromatic.
Scalic.

Question 5

What are some other common features found in romantic works?

Answer 5

Octaves in LH.
Thirds in RH.
Half-diminished and diminished sevenths.
Circles of thirds and fifths.