Romanticism is more than just a term coined to describe a period in music and world history. Romanticism was a distinct movement in music, art, and literature away from the classical ideals of organization and reason and instead toward freedom of emotion and expression. The Romantic Period is generally considered to have begun in the 1770's in Great Britain and Germany and then slowly fanning out across Europe throughout the 19th century.
Romanticism had its roots in nostalgia and admiration for ages past. The imagery and texts of the middle ages with castles, knights, and glorious crusades were an undercurrent in many musical compositions. The Romantics sought to glorify love and instill a new appreciation for nature. One of the most well known works of this era was Tristan and Isolde by Richard Wagner. Tristan and Isolde was a very personal and passionate work by Wagner, based in no small part on a romantic love affair. Other Romantic composers chose the subjects of medieval myths and legends such as the story of Joan of Arc, Faust, and Mary Queen of Scotts.
The uplifting nature of Romanticism was also not without a touch of horror and the macabre. While the great majority of Romantic music dealt with heroism, love, and the majesty of mother nature, a good deal of darker, more sinister music was written as well. This type of music became quite popular as ghosts, spirits, and other dark topics drove composers of the Romantic period to find new ways to create sounds that had not been heard before on a performance stage. Wagner's "Flying Dutchman," and "The March To The Scaffold" by Berlioz both are classic pieces of literature that make very distinct use of suspense and climax to tell their dark tales.
The Birth of Romanticism in Music
Romanticism began as a result to rapidly changing times throughout Europe and the rest of the world. As Europe slowly began to feel the subtle push of nationalism and urbanization, society also saw many advances in the areas of medicine, science, and biology. Romantic composers often found themselves caught up in this new wave of pride and inspiration. The resultant works by such romantic composers as Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Schubert, and others pushed music during this romantic era to heights of creativity never before imagined.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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