Western Art Music: Romantic Era Flashcards
When was the Romantic Era?
1820-1900
Key musical features of Romantic Music (8)
- Large orchestra
- Chromaticism
- Lyrical melodies
- Rich orchestration
- Large dynamic contrasts
- Melody played by brass/wind
- Unusual modulations
- Use of cymbals/percussion
Key composers of the Romantic Era
Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Strauss, Schumann, Dvorak, Brahms
Describe the orchestra of the Romantic Era
70-120 players, variety of instruments
What is Romantic Programme music?
Music that tells a story or depicts a picture or idea (can be a person)
Famous composer of Romantic Programme music
Mendelssohn, Berlioz
What is Art song (word painting)?
Musical technique of writing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song (For example, ascending scales would accompany lyrics about going up; slow, dark music would accompany lyrics about death)
Who were some key composers of art song?
Schubert and Schumann, Puccini, Verdi, Wagner
Types of solo piano works (3)
Etudes, showing off performer’s technical ability; Character pieces, a short programmatic work; Stylized dances, such as waltz, mazurka, polka and the gallop
What is Waltz?
A german dance which became popular in Vienna from around 1800
Key Waltz composers
‘Waltz King’ Johann Strauss and his son Johann Strauss II. Known for ‘The Blue Danube’
Waltz key features
Usually 3/4 meter, fast tempo, emphasis on first beat of bar, lyrical melody, oom-cha-cha, percussion
