NAME: OLADOKUN MICHAEL OLUWADAMILARE
MATRIC NO: 220393
COURSE CODE: MUS 226
LECTURERS IN CHARGE:
DR. T.S AJOSE
MR.
TITLE: THE PIANO MUSIC OF THE ROMANTIC ERA
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PERIOD
The Romantic period is a period in Western art music that spanned roughly from
the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It was characterized by a focus on
individualism, emotion, and expression, in contrast to the objective and
rationalistic approach of the preceding Enlightenment period. Romantic
composers sought to break away from traditional rules and conventions to
explore new tonal and structural possibilities, and their works continue to be
celebrated and performed today.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PIANO
The piano is a musical instrument with a keyboard and a set of
strings that are struck by hammers when the keys are pressed. Its
history can be traced back to the 18th century, when Bartolomeo
Cristofori, an Italian harpsichord maker, invented the first piano in
1709.
Cristofori's instrument, known as the "pianoforte," was an
improvement upon the harpsichord, which could only produce a
single dynamic level. The piano had a mechanism that allowed
the player to control the volume of the sound by the force with
which they struck the keys.
The piano's popularity quickly spread throughout Europe, and it
underwent many improvements in the following centuries. The
Viennese piano makers, including Johann Andreas Stein, helped to
develop a more powerful and expressive piano. The English piano
makers, such as John Broadwood and his contemporaries,
improved the instrument's range and tone quality.
In the 19th century, the piano became the most popular
instrument in homes and concert halls. Composers like Ludwig
van Beethoven and Frederic Chopin wrote music specifically for
the piano, and virtuosos like Franz Liszt and Clara Schumann
made the instrument famous through their performances.
In the 20th century, the piano continued to evolve with the
development of electric and electronic pianos. These instruments
used technology to produce sound instead of strings and
hammers. However, the acoustic piano remains the most popular
and widely used piano today.
Major Composers of Romantic Piano Music
• Frederic Chopin
• Franz Liszt
• Robert Schumann
• Johannes Brahms
• Clara Wieck Schumann
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• Sergei Rachmaninoff
Key Features of Romantic Piano Music
Emotion and expression: Romantic composers sought to express a wide range of
emotions through their piano music, from the dramatic and passionate to the
introspective and melancholic.
Etude by Chopin Opus 10 No. 3
The "Tristesse" (Sadness) etude by Frederic Chopin, Op. 10, No. 3, is a pensive and
melancholy composition that is sometimes referred to be one of Chopin's most
lyrical pieces. Simple yet melancholy melody that serves as the piece's foundation
is repeated and expanded throughout, with sophisticated embellishments and
arpeggios providing complexity and depth. The piece's mellow speed, harmonic
changes, and use of rubato, or flexible tempo, all contribute to its solemn and
reflective mood. Because of its expressive qualities, the piece has been
understood as a musical expression of sorrow, sadness, and contemplation, and it
is a well-known and regularly performed piece in the Romantic piano repertory.
Technical virtuosity: The piano music of the Romantic period often demands a
high degree of technical skill, with composers exploring the full range of the
instrument's capabilities, including rapid arpeggios, elaborate ornamentation, and
complex chord progressions.
Wide range of dynamics: Romantic piano music is known for its dynamic
contrasts, with sudden shifts from soft to loud and back again. This use of contrast
helps to convey a sense of drama and emotion.
Liszt - Liebestraum No. 3 (Love Dream) In the opening section of the piece, the
melody is played softly and with a gentle lilt, gradually building in intensity and
volume as it reaches its climax in the middle section. From there, the music
gradually subsides, returning to the gentle and dreamy mood of the opening.
Programmatic Content: Many Romantic piano works are programmatic in
nature, meaning they depict a specific story, image, or emotion. This
programmatic content is often conveyed through the use of descriptive titles,
such as Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude or Liszt's "Transcendental" Etudes.
Some composers in the Romantic period used their music to try to describe a
specific place, item, person or idea.
The Prelude No. 15 in D-flat major, known as the "Raindrop" Prelude, is the
longest of the 24. The weather during their stay in Majorca was apparently very
wet and Chopin is said to have composed the piece there where the note
repeated throughout the work represents the raindrops, hence the nickname.
Use of rubato: Romantic pianists often use rubato, a flexible approach to rhythm
that allows for subtle variations in tempo and phrasing. This use of rubato helps
to convey a sense of spontaneity and emotion in the music.
Impact of Romantic Piano music on Music History
Emphasis on individualism and expression: The Romantic era placed a strong
emphasis on individualism and emotional expression in music, which had a lasting
impact on Western music. It inspired future composers to express their own
unique perspectives and experiences through their works.
Influence on other musical genres: The Romantic era has influenced many other
musical genres, such as film music, rock music, and jazz. Its emphasis on emotion,
individualism, and expression can still be heard in these genres today.
Technical advancements: Many Romantic piano works demanded a high level of
technical proficiency, leading to advancements in piano construction and
technique. This helped pave the way for future piano music and players.
Reference
youtube.com
en.wikipedia.org
https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/most-romantic-piano-pieces/
https://www.musictheoryacademy.com/periods-of-music/romantic-period-
music/
https://drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/9750
https://pianistmusings.com/2018/08/03/music-history-the-romantic-era/
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/vccs-tcc-music-rford/chapter/piano-and-
romantic-piano-music/
