VOCAL MUSIC

OF THE
REOMANTIC
PERIOD
 Key Features of
Romantic Period

• Emotional expression – this became more

important than formal structural
considerations as composers rebelled
against the formal restraint of the classical
period.
• Big expansion in size of orchestra and in
types of instrument.
• Longer melodies than classical period
• Larger range in pitch (could be very easily
expressed on the piano).
• Nationalism in music – some composers
sought to use their compositions to celebrate
their countries e.g. Sibelius Finlandia
 1. Art Song
• Is a vocal music
composition that is
commonly written for a
solo voice with piano
accompaniment
• Most often used as a
musical setting of an
independent poem or text
intended for concert
repertory or as a recital for
formal social occasions
Characteristics:
• A short composition for
solo voice
• Mostly accompanied by
the piano
• Poetry is set to music,
which further enhances
the poem
• Ends with a section
played by the piano
 Art songs can be
classified as follows:

01 02 03 04
Songs that appear Compositions that Folk songs that are Sacred songs
frequently in are originally arranged for piano composed for
recital intended for solo accompaniments concert stage
performances voice or piano and concerts and performances
are written by a
specific composer
 LIEDER
● Lied is the German word for “song”.
● Lieder (plural for “lied”) were very popular in Europe during the
Romantic period.
● Considered the most popular way of composing art songs

● The emotive and dramatic lyrics (typically sung in German) are

usually based on German poems of the 18th and 19th centuries
and often tell a story.
● Lieder are usually composed for one singer and a piano.

The structure of lieder differs:

○ some are strophic (the verses all have the same tune)
○ others are through-composed (the music is different for each
verse).
In performing art songs during recitals,
both the singer and the pianist are
required to have special skills. The two
performers must have a unified and
harmonious partnership to make an art
song performance collaborative.

ART SONG
 2

OPERA
An art form presented in a theatrical setting
where singers and musicians perform a
dramatic musical work combining text and a
musical score
 OPERA
● Denotes a theatrical composition
that consists of a solo, ensemble,
choral singers, dancers, and
instrumentalists.
● It also has a libretto which is a set
of music that is staged with
scenery, costumes, and
movement.
● The themes of operas are often
derived from history, mythology,
fairy tales, folk stories,
literature, and drama
● It is the combination of the
elements of story and music that
makes the opera powerful,
creative and engaging.
 Composers of
Romantic Vocal Music
Franz Schubert
His music is known for its
melody and harmony; he wrote
more than 500 compositions
intended for male, female, and
mixed voices.
Giacomo Puccini
His opera works that exhibited
realism; his 3rd opera based the
storyline on the 18th century
French novel about one-sided
love which was performed in
different countries and
considered as huge success
Guiseppe Verdi
Famous for creating melody
and using theatrical effects
intensely; he earned a living
through composing and
playing the organ
Richard Wagner
A German dramatic
composer and theorist best
known for creating
complicated epic operas; his
works had a revolutionary
influence on the course of
Western music
 Exit Card

1 2

What did I learn What did I find

about this lesson? interesting?
Thanks for
Listening!
 Written Work 1
Research more about the life of the Romantic
composers below (choose only 2). Identify a
modern-day composer or artist whose life as a
musician is similar to the Romantic composers
below. An example has been done for you.

Name of Romantic Name of Modern- Similarities

Composer day Composer
Wagner Paul McCartney Their music has
been used as
background for a
number of movies
Verdi

Puccini

Schubert
Have a nice
day!