The Romantic Period of Classical music comprises music that was composed from approximately 1815 to 1910—from the last of the Napoleonic wars to the final, whirlwind throes of the end of the 19th century. The Romantic Period stands as a moment in Classical music history that searched the depths of the human saga, believing that the dominant truths of human existence could only be felt through emotions, intuition and the senses.
Some of the most beloved Classical music composers wrote during the Romantic Period. Clementi, Rossini, Liszt, Mendelssohn and Chopin were all a part of the early Romantic Period, while Tchaikovsky and Dvořák closed the Period with some of the most ingenious works ever written. Whilst elements of the preceding Classical period were certainly evident as having a major influence on Romantic composers, these musicians created a new style of Classical music that would forever change the course of the genre.
There were values of the Romantic Period of Classical music history that stood out in stark contrast to the foundational aspects of the genre. The Romantic Period was about personal expression, and encouraged imagination and fantasy at the expense of form and structure. Music was seen as an exercise in the exploration of the human experience, and composers encouraged their audience to find freedom through their art. In addition, the use of Nationalism played a large part in musical expression, as composers sought to rally audiences into patriotic fervor through musical compositions that reflected the strength, individuality and power they believed evident through their own national identities.
Also, virtuosity was not only explored in the Romantic Period of Classical music—it was revered. Just as music was an expression of the adoration of God in earlier Periods, the Romantic Period sought to express an adoration for humanity, and for human ability. Violinists and pianists, especially, sought virtuosity in their performances, often astounding audiences with flashy trills, glissandos and other music ornaments to show off their talent to its fullest extent.
The influence of the Romantic composers held far after the official end of the Period, as later composers such as Barber and Prokofiev continued to use the styles of the Romantic Period in their own works. Since the Romantic Period also saw an increase in massive orchestral works, some would argue that many of the music created for film and stage has also evolved out of the Romantic Period’s fascination with grand orchestral works.
The works that the Romantic Period of Classical music has given us remain some of the most recognisable Classical pieces, and enthusiasts who are relatively new to the genre of Classical music find that the Romantic Period is often the most palatable to enjoy. The movement from structure to free expression is one that is always a breathtaking spectacle, regardless of the art form, and the Romantic Period of music is no exception.
The next time you find yourself surrounded by the ordinary, look within your Classical music collection for the music of some of the great composers of the Romantic Period. After hearing the passion, the obsession, the joie de vivre of these amazing works, you are sure to find a way to leave the everyday world behind.
