Romanticism (music)

In music, the period from about 1810 to around 1910 – that is, after the classical period. Classical composers had tried to create a balance between expression and formal structure; Romantic composers altered this balance by applying more freedom to the form and structure of their music, and using deeper, more intense expressions of moods, feelings, and emotions. An increased interest in literature, nature, the supernatural, and love, along with nationalistic feelings and the idea of the musician as visionary artist and hero (virtuoso) all added to the development of Romanticism. The movement reached its height in the late 19th century, as in the works of Robert Schumann and Richard Wagner.

With the emphasis on imagination and vision, the formal structure was stretched to accommodate a wider range of keys and sudden changes between them, and dynamic and instrumental timbres were also used. Harmonies became richer, dissonance was more freely used, and modulation played a more important role. Fantasy and imagination were important to the Romantic style. Composers were often widely read and were inspired by poems, novels, plays, and paintings. There was a large increase in the orchestra at this time, both in the number of instruments and in their range of pitches and timbres. The symphony, concerto, and opera were all written on a larger scale and an interest in programme music led to the development of a new musical form, the symphonic poem. At the opposite end of the scale, composers also wrote extended, virtuosic works for just one or two musicians. These included much work for piano (which was a favourite instrument), and a large number of songs. Virtuoso instrumental players were becoming increasingly popular and the virtuoso composer-performer was a much admired musician. Great examples of these are Niccolò Paganini and Franz Liszt. A strong move towards nationalism developed as composers reacted against the powerful German influences by developing a musical style that expressed the characteristics of their own country. They did this by including tunes from their nation's folk music, and taking scenes from their country's history, legends, and folk tales, as a basis for their compositions.