Chapter 15
Prelude: Music
after Beethoven:
Romanticism
Style Features of
Romantic Music
Key Terms
Rubato
Romantic melody
Chromaticism
Romantic orchestra
Instrumental
combinations
Style Features of
Romantic Music
Music had to mirror inner feeling
• Artists were expected to have a personal style
• Important to sound different from others
Constant striving for higher experience
• Innovation became essential
Hard to define Romantic style in general
• Easier to spot innovations & novelties
There were some common interests
• In rhythm, melody, harmony, color, & form
Rhythm: Rubato
Italian tempo rubato = robbed time
Romantic Melody (1)
The most recognizable Romantic feature
More emotional than before
Romantic Harmony
Major advances in the area of harmony
Chromaticism used to expand expressivity
The Expansion of Tone Color
(1)
Sheer sensuous quality of sound assumed
importance for the first time
Major advances in instrument design
Romantic fascination with the orchestra
The Expansion of Tone Color
(2)
Orchestra grew to modern size & makeup
The Expansion of Tone Color
(3)
Composers mixed instrumental colors with
great freedom & virtuosity
Orchestral effects became more elaborate
Opera composers used orchestral effects
that nearly overwhelmed the singers