The Romantic Period

Characteristics of Romantic Period

• Puts emphasis on self-expression and individuality of style
• Created music that reflects the composer’s personality
• Explored a universe of feeling that included flamboyance and intimacy, unpredictability and melancholy, rapture and longing.
• Romantic composers increased the power of the brass section calling for trombones, tubas, more horns and trumpets. Flute were required to play in the low register. Violins were asked to strike the strings with the wood of their bows. The piccolo and contrabassoon was added as well as the expanded keyboard of the piano.