Summary of the Romantic Period

Question 1

When was the romantic period

Answer 1

1820- 1900

Question 2

Describe the melody

Answer 2

• longer melodic lines
• sometimes composers used folk tunes and dance rhythms to show pride to their country
• cadenzas
• contabile- in singing style
• balanced phrases

Question 3

Possible Composers

Answer 3

Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff

Question 4

Describe the accompaniment

Answer 4

More interplay with soloist

-broken chords (across several octaves)

Question 5

Describe the structure

Answer 5

More freedom generally longer than classical (similar to classical form though)
3 movements

Question 6

Describe the Tempo

Answer 6

Often follows the same as classical, Rubarto (strict tempo) Conductor or soloist can move the tempo around.

Question 7

Describe the Harmony

Answer 7

Diatonic,

larger range, long dramatic crescendos and diminuendos very suddenly.

Question 8

Name 3 possible forms

Answer 8

Concertos-
Sonatras-
Preludes- come before main piece

Question 9

Describe the Texture

Answer 9

more intricate, wider range explored, often still homophonic in concertos

Question 10

How has the instrumentation changed from the classical period to romantic

Answer 10

Strings- many more than before
Woodwind- clarinet more common, cor anglais, piccolo, bass clarinet,
Brass- trumpets, french horns, trombones and trumpets
Percussion- base drum, side, drum symbols
Piano was now developed

Question 11

Describe the tonality

Answer 11

More Chromaticism than classical
diatonic
dissonance

Question 12

Describe the rhythm

Answer 12

lots of temp changes, rubarto (robbed time)

Question 13

Describe the Dynamics

Answer 13

wide range, sudden changes, sforzandos and accents

Question 14

Describe the form

Answer 14

sonata form- 3 sections according to key relationships

Question 15

Describe the articulation

Answer 15

vituosic,

cadenzas to show off