Romanticism: Music, Dance, and Social Context (1820-1910)
The Romantic Era (1820–1910)
Romanticism developed in Europe between 1820 and 1910. This movement was promoted by the bourgeoisie, who had gained power, and reacted against the ideas of the Enlightenment and Neoclassical art.
Core Tenets of Romanticism
The Romantic period defended:
- Individuality
- Subjectivity
- Creative Freedom
Social Context and Consequences
Key Philosophies
- Liberalism: A political and moral philosophy that defends civil liberties against monarchical despotism.
- Nationalism: A movement defending the idea that a state’s borders should coincide with its national identity.
Social and Political Impact
Liberalism guided many countries toward democracy. However, women were still legally subordinate to men.
Nationalist movements spread to Latin America, fighting for independence.
Characteristics of Romantic Music
Artists aimed to make a living from their art. Ludwig van Beethoven is often considered the first of the Romantic composers.
Composers sought virtuosity on the piano and violin.
Romantic music emphasized:
- Deep emotions
- Originality
- Creativity
Composers used a wider vocabulary on scores (dynamic range and instrumentation).
Romantic Dance
Ballet
La Sylphide set an important precedent. Key features included the white tutu and pointed shoes (pointe work).
Notable Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (known for Swan Lake and The Nutcracker).
Waltz
The Waltz was very popular in Vienna.
Notable Composers: Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II.
Vocal Music Genres
- Lied (Lieder in plural): A German art song for a singer and piano.
Key Composers: Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann.
- Opera: A form of musical theatre where music plays a leading role and parts are taken by singers. Arias are solo parts for one voice. Accompaniment is provided by an orchestra or small ensemble placed in the pit.
Key Composers: Georges Bizet, Richard Wagner, Giacomo Puccini.
- Zarzuela: A lyrical and theatrical genre originating in Spain.
Key Composers: Ruperto Chapí, Tomás Bretón.
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The romantic period defended individuality, subjectivity, and creative freedom.
Instrumental Music and Innovations
The Romantic era saw the prominence of new instruments and expanded orchestration:
- New Instruments: Saxophone, trombone, tuba.
- Expanded Percussion: Bass drum, snare, cymbals, gong, triangle, marimba, and celesta.
The Piano and Violin
The Piano became the most important instrument, achieving great expressive ability. The piano and violin were the instruments most frequently performed as soloists.
Outstanding Pianists/Composers: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Franz Schubert, and Robert Schumann.
Programme Music
Programme music aims to describe a story or narrative, suggesting visual images through music. It is intended to evoke ideas in the listener’s mind, inspired by extra-musical elements like a landscape, a painting, or a personal experience.
Examples:
- Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique tells the story of his love for an English actress who didn’t reciprocate.
- Richard Strauss included narrations of the adventures of Don Quixote in his music.
Musical Nationalism
Nationalist composers championed the languages and musical traditions of their countries of origin.
Key Nationalist Composers by Country
- Spain: Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados, Pablo Sarasate, Manuel de Falla.
- Norway: Edvard Grieg.
- Russia: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
- Finland: Jean Sibelius.
- Hungary: Béla Bartók, who started Ethnomusicology, a science dedicated to the study of folk and world music.
- Brazil: Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Case Study: The Plot of Swan Lake
Under the spell of a sorcerer, Princess Odette is turned into a swan. She swims on a lake formed by tears. The spell can only be broken if a man, pure in heart, pledges his love to her.
One day, Prince Siegfried encounters the most beautiful young woman he has ever seen (Odette). He falls in love and wants to confess his love for her, but is quickly interrupted by the evil sorcerer.
The next day, the sorcerer brings his daughter, Odile. Siegfried proposes marriage, thinking she is Odette.
The true Odette is watching him from a window. Prince Siegfried sees the real Odette running and realizes his mistake.
The spell is broken when Siegfried tells the sorcerer that he would rather die with Odette than marry Odile. He then fights the sorcerer and tears off his wing, killing him.