Romantic Era (1820-1910): Introduction

In contrast to the composers of the Classical era, the Romantic era composers focused more on expressing emotions in their music. This era showed intense emotional expression in all of the arts. Paintings included nature as well as passionately violent images. Edgar Allen Poe wrote literature that stepped outside of previously established boundaries. Fairy tales and folk poetry gave images of the beautiful, strange, and supernatural.

Historical Themes

• The increased use of science in worldview
• Nationalism

Musical Context

• Increased interest in nature and the supernatural
• Program music
• Nationalism and exoticism
• Changing status of musicians