Romanticism 1800-1900

The Age of Romanticism Key trends in the 19th century include: The development of modern industry Growth of democratic governments and national pride Increased emphasis on individual thoughts and feelings in the creative arts

The Industrial Revolution Began in England, where a long period of peace and prosperity encouraged expansion and innovation Farming becomes more efficient, which tripled the population between 1750-1850 Invention of power machines were used initially in the textile industry, but soon in mining, iron and steel production and for railways. Communication was revolutionized with the railways and a cheap postal system. Also the invention of the telegraph and the telephone. Minerals were used as the basis for new fertilizers to increase food production. French developed a process for bleaching cloth and a new loom for weaving patterns. Americans invented the sewing machine and agricultural machines

Political, Intellectual, and Social Changes French Revolution began in 1789, but the aftershocks were felt until 1848. Originally it was a democratic movement in the hands of Napoleon. In 1914, the French monarchy was reestablished and in 1815, the leaders of the last campaign against Napoleon restored the old European balance of power and the hierarchical systems of government. Writers, thinkers, and artists reacted against the rationalism and orderliness of the 18th century and yearned for a return to emotionalism, complexity and traditional faith. God and nature were seen as more important than reason and science. There was a growth of Nationalism – People throughout Europe began to foster their own national identities and rebel against outside domination.

Political, Intellectual, and Social Changes continued Industrial Revolution gave some great wealth, while condemning others to work in the appalling conditions of the mines and factories. Women and children began to work outside the home and were paid half the wages of men. Although there were hardships during this period, there were also benefits. Medical advances were made including the rabies vaccine and the process for the sterilization of milk. Many charitable organizations were formed, the establishment of free public schools and the development of the political ideals of socialism and communism. There was also colonial expansion, which played a role in the 19th century obsession with exoticism. People got a sense of diverse cultures.

The New Artistic Spirit (Writers) Johann Wolfgang Goethe, poet, novelist, and dramatist, composed the poem Faust. This poem tells the story of a man flouts God and convention and follows his own vision Friedrich von Schiller wrote series of dramas beased on historical and legendary figures. Edgar Allan Poe captivated his readers with his mysterious and supernatural writings, as well as Mary Shelley

Architecture Gothic cathedrals, now falling into ruin, became inspiration for Romantics. Cathedrals such as Notre Dame underwent renovations. The “modern” architectural style was known as the “Gothic revival” Classical antiquity also provided inspiration and this was known as the “Greek Revival” with columns, triumphal arches, and huge rounded domes. Industrial Revolution enabled architecture and sculpting to produce large works, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower

Painting Painters attempted to capture their view of the exotic, the irrational and the sublime. They wanted to “Strike the imagination” Nature also inspired artists

Music Music embraced nature, nationalism, the exotic, the minute, the monumental, with a focus on individual consciousness and a fascination with extreme expression E.T.A. Hoffman wrote in 1813 that music was “the most romantic of all the arts, for its only subject is the infinite.”

Music for All Concert halls built in every town Many cities established their own symphony orchestras Industrialization made pianos cheaper and more plentiful; most middle class households owned a piano

The New Sound Small halls to large halls Audiences became bigger Orchestras became bigger (some call for over 100 players) Instruments were adapted so their sound would carry farther (built for power and speed) Winds and brass were equipped with complex key or valve systems The tuba and saxophone are invented during this period. The piano was enlarged and produced a louder sound. The range was also extended. Orchestration – The technique of manipulating orchestral sounds

Dynamics In classical period, range of dynamics does not go beyond piano and forte. In Romantic music, the range is extended. Now we see fff or pppppp etc. Dynamics in the Romantic Period are more frequent and less predictable.

Tempo and Expression The range of tempo also increases in the Romantic period. More tempo changes within a movement The way that tempo is notated also changes. Composers before the Romantic period would simply write the tempo (Adagio, Moderato), but in the Romantic period, they begin to include the emotional content (Allegro agitato, espressivo)

Melody Usually much longer than those of the Classical period They have a yearning quality about them They may speed up or slow down slightly in the middle The primary aim was always expression of feeling

Harmony One of the most important tools in the Romantic search for expression. More unusual chords in unexpected combinations are being used to create color and atmosphere Modulation – movement among keys, is more frequent Composers even began ending the piece in a different key from which they began. Chromatic melodies and harmonies became more frequent

Form Loosening of form, blur the outlines of form rather than highlight them Often difficult to hear form because the pieces are longer Romantic composers wanted their music to be as expressive as possible, to represent the spontaneous flow of feelings rather than to display a carefully organized structure. Form was still used

Program Music Program music - music that tells some kind of story Absolute music – music that has no meaning outside the meaning of the music itself and the feelings it produces in its listeners Composers have been writing program music for years, but now in the Romantic period, there is more of a focus on tying music to ideas, stories or events Composers sometimes published lengthy narratives to accompany their works.

Favorite Romantic Genres Opera and symphony were the most extensive genres Also, Song and Requiem Mass Concerto Chamber music Solo piano works Symphonic poem – a relatively short orchestral work in one continuous movement, though it may have contrasting sections, programmatic

Women in Nineteenth Century Music Music conservatories began to accept women for musical training Mostly men played in orchestras, as many thought it was “unseemly” for women to appear as professional musicians in public Some women were involved in music by being a hostess in a salon, or as wealthy patrons of the arts.

Romantic Song Composed for single voice with piano accompaniment, designed to be performed in a private parlor Strophic – songs that use the same music for each stanza of the poetry. Through-composed – songs that use different music for each stanza Song cycle – a series of songs that are woven together to make a narrative, or it may link several songs by presenting them as different facets of a single idea.