The Romantic period started around 1830 and ended around 1900, as compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive.

​Expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano music, dramatic operas, and passionate songs took inspiration from art and literature. Famous Romantic composers include Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mahler, and Verdi – to name but a few!

​The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion. The rigid forms of classical music gave way to greater expression, and music grew closer to art, literature and theatre. 

Listening Ex. 1 - Weber Opera - ​"Der Freischutz"
Listening Ex. 2 - Schubert Lied -​"Erlkonig"
Listening Ex. 3 - Chopin Piano Sonata - ​"Sonata in Bb minor"
Listening Ex. 4 - Liszt Piano Sonata - "Sonata in B minor"
Listening Ex. 5 - Berlioz - ​"Symphony Fantastique - Dreams and Passions"
Listening Ex. 6 - Berlioz - ​"Symphony Fantastique - Witches Sabbath"
Listening Ex. 7 -Tchaikovsky - "Fifth Symphony"
Listening Ex. 8 - Dvorak - "Ninth Symphony"
Listening Ex. 9 - Tchaikovsky - ​"1812 Overture"
Listening Ex. 10 - Musorgsky - "Night on the Bare Mountain"
Listening Ex. 11 - Tchaikovsky - "Swan Lake"
Listening Ex. 12 - Tchaikovsky - ​"Piano Concerto No. 1"
Listening Ex. 13 - Wagner - "The Ring Cycle ('Siegfried')"
Listening Ex. 14 - Verdi - "La traviata"
Listening Ex. 15 - Rimsky-Korsakov - "Scheherazade"
Listening Ex. 16 - Grieg - ​"Norwegian Dances"
Listening Ex. 17 - Mendelssohn - ​"Elijah"
Listening Ex. 18 - Verdi -​"Requiem"
Listening Ex. 19 - Brahms - "German Requiem"
Listening Ex. 20 - Strauss- ​"Also Spake Zarathustra"
Listening Ex. 21 - Mahler - "Eighth Symphony"