(1825-1900)Highlights from

J. Shearer’s “Music 101”

Overview

● Revolution, innovation, and increased awareness of individuality● The French Revolution & Napolean stirred political passions● The congress of Vienna created new territorial boundaries (1814-15)

○ An attempt to equalize or balance power throughout Europe○ “Counter-Revolution” to restore the French Monarchy

● Industrial Revolution led to an increase to the upper middle classes● Financial support for the Arts shifted from Court and Church to consumer

driven economy

Romantic Artists

● Composers began to explore personal styles of self expression○ Building on the formal classical structures○ Finding new ways to create works unique to their personal style

● Romanticism had already made its way into the other arts by 1700’s● Romantic Composers and performers responded by the 1800’s● Romantic Literature: Goethe and Heine● An increased Interest in amateur music making led to

○ Large Choral Societies○ Salon and Chamber Music○ Led to the development of music schools

Franz Schubert (1797-1828): Bio● Considered a transitional composer from the classical to the Romantic

○ Similar to Beethoven○ Lived in Vienna, Austria at the same time

● Overall his music is considerably “lighter,” with overt emotional content● Grew up in the suburbs of Vienna, the son of a middleclass school teacher● Schubert is the only composer actually born in Vienna● Displayed an early gift for music as a vocalist, violinist and Pianist● Attempted to become a school teacher and court musician/composer● Spent his short life composing and performing (chamber music)● Lived both an impoverished and relatively secure financial life● Personality was considered shy and reserved (loner)● Still was the “center of attention at “Shubertiads”

Franz Schubert: Bio Continued..● As he aged, he grew lonlier and used this feeling as a way to suffer for his

art form● Schubert Died at the age of 31 either of typhoid fever or syphillis● He was sick for quite a while● Final wish was to be buried by Beethoven

○ His wish was granted○ “Here the Art of Music has buried a rich possession○ ..but even more promising hopes.”

Franz Schubert: his worksTotaled 900 Works including:

● 600 Art Songs● 3 major song cycles● 9 symphonies● 7 masses ● 15 string quartets and various other chamber music● In his entensive output of “Art Songs (Lied or Lieder in German), Schubert

reveals his interest in poetry.● He set several of his lieder to poetry

○ He allowed the shape of the poem to determine the shape of the music○ Several forms developed out of his Art Song Settings

Musical FormsStrophic: The same tune (melody) over and over (fitting the verse of the poetry for example)

Modified Strophic: The same tune but with significant alterations (where the text requires)

Through-Composed: Have no clear discernable structure. Start at the beginning and go to the end (following the verse).

Der Erlkonig, D. 328 (The Erl King)By Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

An example of Romantic Lieder in through composed format

● Romantic poem set to solo voice with piano● Based on a poem by Goethe● “King of the Elves”● The legend is that any child touched by the Erl King, dies● Sets all four characters to one tenor vocal:

○ The narrator○ the father○ the child○ the Erl King

The Mendelssohn’s: Felix (1809-47) & Fanny (1805-47)● More than Schubert, Felix can be considered more of a transitional

composer.● Adheres closely to the styles of Haydn and Mozart (formal structures)● But includes heightened emotional content● Interests in nature and programmatic ideas in instrumental music define

him as “romantic.”● His interest in older music greatly impacted the resurgance and

popularity of J.S. Bach’s music (it had been mostly forgotten)● Fanny best represents the entire era of famale composers and

performers overlooked to their male counterparts (brother)

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Bio● Born into a wealthy jewish family● Grandfather was a famous philosopher, and father a wealthy banker● His bather Abraham decided to have his family convert to Christianity, to

avoid prejudices and persecution● After converting, they added the name Bartholdy● Today you will see either one or both of the his names listed on concert

programs● Felix began to excel in the arts at a young age:

○ Musician: piano and violin○ Poet○ Painter

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: His Music● While still in his teens, he composed several successful works often

played today:○ Octet, Op. 20○ Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21

Mendelssohn loved to explore and travel and allowed the places he visited to inspire his works: England; Scotland, and Italy.

● He composed several programmatic works from these travels, incuding:○ Symphony No. 3 (Scottish)○ Symphony No. 4 (Italian)○ Hebrides Overture, (aka) Hingal’s Cave

Fanny Mendelssohn: Bio● Until recently, her works were overlooked, mostly unpublished and lost● Both her father and brother disapproved of her interest in music as a

career; encouraging the traditional female roles for her● Felix published several of her works under his name in particular

collections● After their mother’s death, she took on the role of organizing concert

performances for the family● She eventually wrote over 400 works, many of which are still not

published● She died at the age of 41 from a stroke. Distraught from her death and

over burdened with stress, Felix dies a few months later

Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840)

Paganini - Bio● Revolutionized the world of the solo musician● In the Romantic Era his playing techniques were “unparalleled● He had a mystical hold on his audiences

○ Flamboyant figure on stage with long fingers and aristocratic features○ Rumors circulated that he had made a deal with teh devil○ In exchange for his phenomenal abilities○ His showmanship was effortless

■ Playing entire works on one string (after the others had snapped)■ He would intentionally use weak strings

● In addition to violin he became a skilled performer on on viola, mandolin and guitar

● His skills left a lasting impression and impact on the careers of musicians to follow including Chopin, and Franz Liszt (for the piano)

Paganini - Bio & Music● Beyond his skills as a performer, his works as a composer also had a lasting impact on

Romantic Composers to follow● Almost all of his compositional output was focused on instruments he played (violin)● Today’s standards, his concertos are considered “over the top,” in terms of

showmanship.● His 24 Caprices for solo violinhave become standard repertoire for violinists and other

instrumentalists.

Paganini - Moto Perpetuo No. 2 in C Major● He created several different versions of the piece (Perpetual Motion)

○ For Violin and Chamber Orchestra○ Violin and String Quartet○ Violin and Piano; Guitar and Piano

● All slightly different, but are the same in terms of non-stop show pieces

● Several notes at an incredibly fast tempo● Moto Perpetuo

Robert & Clara Schumann: (1810-56) (1819-1840)● Robert came from a literary background - romantic novels and poetry● Though undisciplined showed a natural gift for piano and composition● After seeing Paganini and Clara Wieck in concert he devoted his life to

becoming a concert pianist● Studied with Clara’s father Friedrich Wieck.● Through himself into piano study obsessively, with manic depressive

tendencies● It is speculated he damaged his hand through extensive repetition Others

suggest it was caused from treatments for syphilis● Regardless, aspirations to be a piano soloist were gone. He turned to

composition.

Robert Schumann - Bio, continued● Same timeframe he continued his lifelong interest in writing. Joined a

group of musician/writers for the “New Journal for Music”● Arts were the heavily discussed topics of the day in society - thus a need

for music and criticism and commentary.● He was an early champion for composers such as:

○ Chopin○ Berlioz and○ Brahms

● https://deformingprisms.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/schizophrenia-and-schumann-the-possibility-of-a-split-musical-personality/

● Schumann is later confirmed with schizophrenia, as portrayed in the multiple composers of Florestan, Eusebius, and Meister Raro.

Robert and Clara Schumann - Bio● A love affair blossomed between Robert & Clara Wieck● As a young girl, Clara was already accepted through much of Europe as

one of the finest pianists of the day● As a soloist, Clara was more acclaimed than her husband

○ It was her work that mostly supported the family○ Their family included seven children

● Through her public performances, she promoted her husband’s works.● She also performed the works of Chopin

○ “Clara Schumann is the only woman in all of Europe who can play my music correctly.”

● One of the first prominent female solo artists, and broke new ground as one of the first women to compose music under her own name○ Considering the 19th century view of women as composers her work is are unique○ But she even had doubts of her own skill because of the doubts as women as composers

The Music of Robert & Clara Schumann● Robert Schumann excelled in several areas of composition including:

symphonies, string quartets, music for choirs, solo art songs, and piano● He often had programmatic titles that he kept hidden from the audience

for fear of influencing them● His art songs (Lieder) are often compared to those of Schubert and make

up the bulk of the lieder from the Romantic Era

Robert Schumann - a tragic ending● Robert Schumann suffered several bouts of depression● Usually followed by manic periods of creativity & compositional output● He eventually became so insane he attempted suicide by throwing

himself in the Rhine River● Clara had no choice but to institutionalize him, where he died a few years

later● Johann Brahms had befriended both, and helped them through this tragic

period and beyond seeing that his music was published● Clara’s emotional strength sees them through this heartbreaking period

Frederic Francois Chopin (1810-49)● The Poet of the Piano● Almost all of his compositional output is for the piano● His father was french, his mother was Polish

○ Together they taught at a boarding school○ HIs Father taught french and literature○ His mother taught music

● He showed an early talent for music publishing his first works before he is a teenager

● Entered the Warsaw conservatory for music as a teenager○ Continued to compose new music for himself to perform○ Inspired by traditional Polish dance

Chopin - His Music● His compositional output includes: 2 piano concertos; ballades,

polonaises, 3 sonatas, and several diverse character pieces.● His dedication to the piano helped revolutionize many of the common

techniques for playing the instrument○ Use of the sustain pedal○ Extended harmonies○ Pushing performers to reach beyond their normal physical extent (large hands, cross

hand techniques and ranges)

● Rubato - Chopin was a pioneer of tempo rubato which gives flexibility to the performer to “ebb and flow,” in tempo to heighten emotional content

● Fellow composer Franz Liszt introduced Chopin to his love interest author Aurore Dudevant, pen name of George Sand. Releationship ended in 1847. Ill and deperate returned to London & Paris for Concerts

Chopin - His MusicNocturne Op. 9 No. 2 Polonaise in Ab Major

Franz Liszt - Bio (1811-86)● “Paganini of the Piano”

○ Nickname earned and embraced○ Frequently referred to as the greatest pianist that ever lived

● Astonished audiences of the romantic era○ Performing the late works of Beethoven (some considered unplayable)○ Pushed piano techniques further than Chopin

■ Moved the piano to front and center of the stage■ Positioned it sideways so his profile could be seen (■ Dressed flamboyantly (wore long gloves, passing them and towels out)■ had long hair to swing with the music

● Born Oct. 22, 1811 to a Viennese Court (Estherhazy) Musician● As a child, he was sickly, nervous and weak● His father began giving him lessons at a young age, and he loved it so,

parcticing for hours on end

Franz Liszt - Bio Continued...● Gave his first concert at the age of 9● Made such an impression, his father (Adam) arranged for him to perform

for the (Prince) Estherhazy family.● The Estherhazy family had him perform several more times

○ Demonstrated his skill in these settings■ Improvised on themes called out to him■ Sight read difficult and challenging works

● The Nobleman were so impressed they funded his education for the next six years in Vienna

● First teacher in Vienna was Karl Czerny● April 13, 1827 his career as a performer began from a concert in Vienna

organized by his father; smashing success; from there he took him on tour throughout Europe

Franz Liszt - His MusicMore Biographical information can be found here:

https://www.biography.com/people/franz-liszt-9383467

Franz Liszt - His Music

Franz Liszt - Transcendedental Etudes

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)● The first major romantic composer from France● Orchestration skills established new techniques that composers would

borrow thereafter● The son of a physician● Enrolled in medical school in Paris, but was not thrilled with his classes● Loved music as a child, having taken lessons and studied theory● As a young adult, enjoyed the Parisian music scene● Eventually dropped out of medical school, and was cut off by his family

(financially)● Entered the Paris conservatory of Music to study composition● He was spellbound by the works of Beethoven and Shakespeare

Berlioz - Bio, continued...● He followed a popular touring theater company visiting Paris, and many

of the plays inspired several of his works● In particular, he was quite taken with an actress named Harriet Smithson,

and Irish actress who would have a profound effect on his life.● At the age of 26 he won the Prix de Rome, earning a residency to study in

Rome.● He attempted to establish a relationship with Smithson before leaving,

but she spurned him. ● When he later returned to Paris, he pursued her still further. This time

she accepted his advances (perhaps knowing she was the subject of his Symphonie Fantastique?). Married in 1833.

● Became apparent he was in love with the characters she played. Relationship was disastrous. Split up after a few years but never divorced

● He remarried after her death in 1854.

Berlioz - His Music● He was distressed initially being spurned by Smithson (while in Rome),

which caused him to write a semi-autobiography in the piece “Symphonie Fantastique,” a five movement, one hour “program symphony.”○ In a fit of despair the artist in the story takes an overdose of opium and has a series of

powerful dreams.■ Part I: Daydreams - Passions■ Part 2: A Ball■ Part 3: Country Scene■ Part 4: March to the Scaffold■ Part 5: Dream of a Sabboth Night

○ In the end of his dreams he kills the woman he loves, only to find out she is a witch

● Berlioz expanded the size of the orchestra● He pushed the instruments to each of their limits● He introduced Idee Fixe, translated “fixed idea.” It is a recurring theme

(love interest) heard throughout all five movements (starts lush, evolves to become harsh almost cartoon-like).

● Received mixed reviews from audiences and composers

Berlioz - His Music

Dream of a Sabbath Night

Berlioz - His Music, continued● Beyond “Symphonie Fantastique,” Berlioz wrote a number of large

compositions, including program symphonies:○ “Harold in Italy” (featuring solo viola)○ “Romeo and Juliet”

● Interesting side note: the voila part in “Harold in Italy” was suggested and written for Paganini

● Wrote a number of one movement overtures● Composed several Operas● Powerful works for solo voice and orchestra including his “Requium Mass”● Supplemented his income as a music critic● Wrote a book on orchestration techniques● Wrote his “memoirs,” which reads more like an 17th century Romance

Novel (with sharp commentary)

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)● The Schumann’s played a critical role in Brahm’s musical career & life● Brahm’s works in term of “progressive Romanticism,” was conisdered

conservative, perhaps “old school,” more like Beethoven compared to Chopin and Liszt.

● Tchaikovsky on Brahms: “Played over the music of that scoundrel Brahms. What a giftless bastard….”

● Maintained a clear sense of formal structure: “absolute music.”● He worked hard at producing “perfect music.” For example he restarted

his first Symphony several times, never satisfied.● As a symphony composer, felt he was living in the shadow of Beethoven● Was over 40 years old before he wrote and completed his first symphony.

Brahm’s MusicWrote his requiem in response to the deaths of both Robert Schumann and his mother . Written from the protestant point of view. Consolation to the living

A German Requiem, Op 45 Movement IV Brahm’s a “fortified,” supplement for the Arts

Berich Smetana (1824-1884) - Bio● From Bohemia, now a part of the Czech Republic● Considered one of the Greatest composers of the “homeland.”● In comparison to the other Romantic Composers his compositional

output is considerably less● Several of his works are excellent examples of the nationalistic

movement in the 19th Century● His composition “The Moldau,” is one of the most picturesque tone

poems ever composed.● His most important works still played today include:

○ his two string quartets○ A folk opera entitled “The Bartered Bride” ○ The Tone Poem (already mentioned) “The Moldau”

The Moldau - Bedrich Smetana (1872-1880)

Listen for “Ma Vlast” (translated as “my Homeland”) theme throughout. Nationalism. Each scene draws inspiration from from history or folklore

Antonin Dvorak: (1841-1904)● A Bohemian composer● Dvorak’s works, however, have a certain amount of “cosmopolitan,”

approach● He came to America in 1895● Directed the newly founded Conservatory of Music in New York City● Intrigued by the artistic influences of the America’s● Encouraged young composers to take on the music of their homeland● Sought to find “home grown,” musicians in the U.S. to promote

“American,” music in the classical genres● William Grant Still; George Gershwin; Howard Hanson; Aron Copland; and

Charles Ives

Symphony No. 9 “New World Symphony (1893)● By far, one of his most popular Symphonies; perhaps of all Symphonies.● Neil Armstrong took a recording with him on Apollo 11 in 1969

Romantic Opera● Of all the musical idioms, Opera had the most sweeping changes

○ Programmatic music: themes for each character

○ Nationalistic: Romantic idealism of the “motherland,” portrayed

through story and song

■ Revolutionary ideals & patriotic spirit

■ Others are considered thinly veiled propaganda

○ Improved design: The development of grand theaters, magnificent

stages, pyrotechnics, improved acoustics and fly space for scene

changes . Big Chorus Scenes that featured ballet.

Georges Bizet (1838-1875)● French opera grew in popularity at the end of the classical era● Most popular were:

○ Opera Comique○ Opera Lyrique

■ Neither of these operas were comical, they were serious dramatic productions that contained lighter moments

○ Grand Opera

● Opera Verismo - one of the most significant changes in opera developed from Bizet, meant as a “real life,” Opera or a true story. ○ The most famous of these is Bizet’s Carmen

Aria from Act I of Carmen: “Habanera”

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)More on the Bio of Rossini: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gioachino-Rossini

● The Italians preferred clearly defined dramatic or comic operas (Opera Seria and Opera Buffa, respectively)

● The Romantic era saw the gradual overlap of the two.● Italian Opera placed a heavy emphasis on Bel Canto singing (beautiful singing style)● Rossini wrote over 35 operas (seria and buffa)● Spent time in Paris where he incorporated the grand french style into his works. ● A few of his most important works include:

○ The Italian Woman in Algiers (comic)○ The Barber of Seville (comic)○ Guillaume Tell (grand - in French tradition)

■ Tells the story of a man involved in the Swiss struggle for independance, a tale that appealed to the French Romantic sensibility. The opera in which the father shot the apple off of his son’s head, and as famous television theme song would be created)

His Most Famous WorksThe Barber of Seville William Tell Overture

Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

● In Italy sporting events and opera are equitable in acceptance● Until recently, almost everyone in Italy could sing their favorite aria to an

opera● Born in Roncole (Northern Italy)● Displayed an early gift for music

○ Studied composition with local composers○ Eventually made his way to Milan, but was denied entry into the conservatory (weak

piano skills)○ But remained close to “La Scala,” one of the famous opera houses in the world)○ His first Opera “Oberto” was performed there in 1839

● https://cvod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=44012&tScript=0●

Music of Verdi● After it’s premier, he received a commission to compose three additional

operas.○