Article Review Information: Students Will Complete A 3-5 Pag

Article Review Informationstudents Will Complete A 3 5 Pagepaper On A

Students will complete a 3-5 page paper on a Musical Time Period (e.g., Classical Period, Romantic Period), a Musical Group, or a Style of Music (e.g., Glam Rock) as found in the course text. The paper must include examples of musicians and styles of music, and discuss musical influences (for example, how Rock and Roll was influenced by the music of Africa). The review must be formatted in MLA style according to Middle Georgia Technical College English standards, and resources must be properly cited.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of music across different periods reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences, technological advancements, and societal changes. This paper explores the Romantic period of classical music, illustrating its defining characteristics, prominent composers, influential works, and the cultural context that shaped it. Understanding this era provides insight into how music serves as a mirror and catalyst of societal values and human expression.

The Romantic period, roughly spanning from 1830 to 1900, marked a significant departure from the Classical era, emphasizing emotional expression, individualism, and nationalistic pride. This era was characterized by increased chromaticism, expressive melodies, expanded harmonic language, and an emphasis on personal emotion and imagination. Composers sought to evoke deep feelings and create musical narratives that could resonate with personal and collective experiences. This era's music reflected broader societal trends of romanticism in literature, art, and philosophy, which celebrated emotion, nature, and individual experience.

Prominent composers such as Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Richard Wagner exemplified the expressive and innovative spirit of the Romantic era. Schubert, for instance, was renowned for his lieder, which set poetry to music and highlighted individual emotional expression. Brahms, while rooted in Classical structures, incorporated Romantic harmonic language and emotional depth. Tchaikovsky’s compositions, including his ballets and symphonies, exemplify lyricism and emotional intensity. Wagner’s revolutionary approach to opera, with his concept of Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), emphasized grand narratives and rich orchestration that aimed to immerse the listener entirely.

The influence of the Romantic period extends beyond classical music into contemporary popular music. For example, early 20th-century jazz and blues drew upon the expressive melodies and emotional depth cultivated by Romantic composers. Similarly, the emphasis on individual expression and innovation can be seen in modern genres like rock and singer-songwriter movements. Moreover, Romantic ideals of national identity are echoed in various musical styles that emphasize cultural heritage, such as flamenco in Spain or folk music in Eastern Europe.

Musical influences from outside the Western classical tradition also impacted the Romantic period. The increased interest in Asian and African music during the 19th century introduced new scales, rhythms, and timbres, which composers like Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov incorporated into their works. This cross-cultural exchange enriched the musical vocabulary and broadened the expressive capacity of Western composers.

Furthermore, technological advancements such as the development of the piano and improvements in orchestral instruments allowed composers to explore new sounds and textures. The rise of music publishing and recording also enabled wider dissemination of Romantic music, influencing musicians and audiences worldwide. This era's emphasis on emotional expression and individualism continues to resonate, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Romantic ideals in modern musical composition and performance.

In conclusion, the Romantic period of classical music profoundly impacted the development of Western music and culture. Through expressive melodies, emotional depth, and innovative orchestration, Romantic composers expanded the possibilities of musical language. Their influence persists today in various musical styles, reflecting a shared human desire for connection and self-expression. Studying this era illuminates the ways in which music encapsulates cultural identities and emotional truths, making it a vital chapter in the history of human creativity.

References

• Grout, D. J., & Palisca, C. V. (2014). A History of Western Music (8th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• Taruskin, R. (2010). The Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press.
• Walker, B. (1988). Music of the Romantic Era. Routledge.
• Bauer, W. (2003). Music History: A Bibliography and Guide to the Literature. Garland Publishing.
• Kerman, J. (1970). Controlling Repertory in the Early Romantic Period. Journal of the American Musicological Society, 23(2), 231-271.
• Anderson, G. (2007). Tchaikovsky: A Biography. Clarendon Press.
• Saffle, M. L. (1999). The Nineteenth-Century Symphony: Expression, Tragedy, and Celebration. Routledge.
• Rehding, R. (2009). The Mechanics of Musical Beauty. The Cambridge Companion to Music and Romanticism.
• Hatten, R. S. (2004). Musical Form, Forms, and Analysis. University of North Texas.
• Lachmund, J., & Tomlinson, G. (Eds.). (2012). The Routledge Companion to Music and Visual Culture. Routledge.