Transcript The Romantic Era

The Romantic Era
Characteristics
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Emphasis on the search for free expression of personal feelings
A revolt against convention and authority
Formal perfection was no longer the top priority
Used aspects of Classical form when it served its purpose, but not
at the expense of personal expression
Realism
Nationalism
Explored musical tension as a means to create an intense emotional
response
Harmonies included more chromaticism and dissonance
Melodies were intensified by choice of tone color
Art Songs—individual solo songs set to poetry
– Often combined music with extramusical ideas
– Strophic: stanzas of the poem are set to the same melody
Beethoven
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Transitional figure from Classical to Romantic
1770-1827
Born in Bonn, Germany
Young prodigy; talents were exploited by father who tried to manage his musical career
Employed as a court musician in his early teens
Settled in Vienna in 1792
Known as a pianist more than a composer throughout his life
Early compositions followed Classical style
Wrote many piano pieces, primarily sonatas
Wrote one opera, Fidelio
Wrote 9 Symphonies
Eroica Symphony
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Originally dedicated to Napoleon; dedication was retracted later when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lWambh7tXA
9th Symphony
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Incorporates chorus—an element previously unheard of
Uses poetry of Friederich Schiller—”Ode to Joy”
Wrote after he went deaf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4N5-OALObk
Franz Schubert
• 1797-1828
• Born in Vienna
• Lived much of his life in poverty
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Not employed by any institutions or patrons
Barely made a living as a teacher
Sold few compositions to publishers
Had a few commissions for works
• Wrote over 600 Lieder (art songs)
– Generally written for solo voice and piano
– Musical setting of a poem or other secular text
– Intended for concert/recital performance
• Erlkonig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDsdwjVgYUI
• Wrote 10 Symphonies
• Wrote church music, operas, chamber music, solo piano music
Frederic Chopin
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1810-1849
Born in Warsaw, Poland but settled in Paris at age 21
Known almost exclusively as a composer for piano
Was also a sought-after piano teacher
Typically wrote works that were short with titles that suggested a mood
Intended for intimate performances in the salons of aristocrats instead of the
concert hall
He explored the timbre of the piano, especially the singing quality necessary to
play his melodies
His works illustrate the use of harmonic tension and release typical of Romantic
compositions
Wrote nocturnes, scherzos, preludes, etudes as well as polonaises, mazurkas, and
waltzes (all folk dances)
Revolutionary Etude
– Written in 1831 on the occasion of the Russians taking Warsaw, Poland
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6iXQ5_MCA
Robert Schumann
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1810-1856
Born in Zwickau, Germany
Began composing as a child
Studied literature as well as music
Planned to be a concert pianist, but injured his right hand. Following his
injury, he concentrated on composition
Most famous works are for solo piano or Lieder (solo voice and piano)
Also wrote four symphonies
His wife, Clara, was also a composer and pianist
Suffered from mental illness; attempted suicide by throwing himself off a
bridge. He was taken to a sanatorium, where he remained until his death.
Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbvUegf-sw
Johannes Brahms
• 1833-1897
• Born in Hamburg, Germany
• Made a living playing horn and string bass. Also played piano and cello,
and conducted choirs and orchestras.
• Popular in Vienna
• Good friend of the Schumann’s; after Robert was sent to the sanatorium,
he lived with Clara to help with the children. The two are rumored to have
had a romantic involvement.
• Utilized traditional forms with Romantic harmonic language
• Wrote for orchestra (symphonies, concertos, overtures), piano (sonatas,
intermezzos), choir (Requiem is most popular), and over 200 Lieder
• Intermezzo Opus 118 No. 2 (for piano):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h4Re5WBEAc&feature=kp
• Guten Abend Gut’ Nacht:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDGmBfy0sX0
Gustav Mahler
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1860-1911
Born in Kalischt, Bohemia (formerly in Austria, now in Czech Republic)
Began playing piano at age 4 and was soon known for his musical skills
Attended Vienna Conservatory
Attained several positions as a conductor of various opera houses,
including the Vienna Court Opera and Leipzig Opera
• Also worked briefly as director for the Metropolitan Opera and New York
Philharmonic
• Was the target anti-Semitic press
• Known for his symphonies and Lieder
• Das Lied von der Erde:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVe8Kh1H7w
• Finale from Sympony #8:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGUL0x3068