Key Figures and Concepts of the Romantic Music Era
Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven was a German composer pivotal to the transition between Classicism and Romanticism. He is the author of nine symphonies and was instrumental in elevating the importance of instrumental music.
The Romantic Era (1820–1910)
Romanticism was a reaction against the Enlightenment, characterized by the rise of the bourgeoisie, liberalism, and individualism.
Franz Schubert
An Austrian composer who wrote over 600 lieder.
Curious Facts About Schubert
- He often wrote compositions on
Polish Musical Heritage: From Folk Roots to Classical Mastery
I. Polish Traditional Music
General Features and Macroregions
1. General features of Polish traditional music: The National Dance (Polonaise) and Popular Religious Songs (Christmas Carols).
2. Central macroregion of Poland: The strongest and most extensive region, considered the pillar of Polish musical tradition. It features many contrasts, described as “variable melody.” The violin is the most important instrument, and improvisation is common.
3. North-West macroregion of Poland: The polka is
Read MoreZiegfeld Follies, Jazz Age, and American Musical Theatre
Ziegfeld Follies Performers and Yiddish Influence
In addition to the girls, the Follies featured comedians. Note and know about Bert Williams, and his signature song “Nobody,” a precursor to “Mr. Cellophane.”
Also note Fanny Brice, who came from Yiddish theatre to the Follies. What is Yiddish? Know a few Yiddish words and what they mean:
- Schmuck
- Schlemiel
- Mensch
- Schmaltz
- Chutzpah
(Look these up, or ask Lenny!)
The capstone of Ziegfeld’s Broadway career was producing Show Boat.
Chapter 10: Jerome
Read MoreIsaac Albéniz: Spanish Nationalism, Piano Masterpieces, and Music History
Isaac Albéniz: Life, Travels, and Nationalist Style
Isaac Albéniz was born in 1860 in Camprodon, province of Girona. He was a child prodigy on the piano at age four and made his first concert at the Teatre Romea de Barcelona.
He spent almost all his life traveling. At eight years old, he ran away from home and dedicated himself to playing music in Castellón. At 12, he went to Andalusia, where he took a boat that led him to Buenos Aires. Afterward, he traveled to Cuba and the U.S., visiting New
Read MoreClassical Music: Key Concepts from Bach to Beethoven
The Classical Music Era (c. 1750–Early 19th Century)
1. Chronology and Historical Context
- The period spans from the death of J.S. Bach (1750) to the premiere of Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony (1805).
- The era saw the beginning of the fall and the power of decadence setting in.
2. Sociocultural Aspects: “Sapere Aude”
The Latin phrase Sapere Aude means “Dare to Know.”
3. Instrumental Music
3.1. Key Instrumental Genres
- Symphony
- Chamber Music
- Concerto
3.2. Sonata Form Structure
The primary sections of Sonata Form are:
Read MoreMedieval Life: From Gregorian Chants to Feudal Lords
Chronological Period of the Middle Ages
- Mark the chronological period of the Middle Ages.
- From the late 5th century to the 15th century.
Historical and Sociocultural Aspects
- Why was the cultural life of this period mainly concentrated in monasteries and abbeys?
- Because the monks cultivated the arts and sciences, using manuscripts from ancient Greece and Rome.
- On the social scene, what was Europe like in this period?
- Europe was fragmented into many small territories dominated by powerful feudal lords who