Romantic Opera Composers and Musical Innovations

Romantic Opera

Opera was very important during Romanticism.

The most important opera style was Opera Buffa. There are three important countries and composers associated with this era.

Italy: Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1904)

Although conservatory teachers considered him too old to be taught music, despite having accepted him, Verdi became one of the most successful opera composers of all time. Important Operas: Rigoletto, Baile de Máscaras (Un ballo in maschera).

Traviata

Traviata means 'the lost one.' Violetta loves Alfredo, but they do not have money. Violetta gets sick and leaves Alfredo because she thinks she is a burden to him. Alfredo is sad and angry because he does not know why Violetta left him. Alfredo and Violetta argue, and Alfredo humiliates her in front of society. In the end, Alfredo learns the truth, but it is too late.

Aida

A love story between Radamès (an Egyptian soldier) and Aida (an Ethiopian princess). They are in love, but the Pharaoh's daughter also loves Radamès. Egypt and Ethiopia are at war, and Radamès is engaged to the Pharaoh's daughter. One night, Radamès and Aida meet secretly. Radamès explains the Egyptian army's strategy against Ethiopia to Aida. Aida tells this to her father, the Ethiopian king. The Pharaoh learns of this betrayal and decides to have Radamès buried alive. They die together.

France: Georges Bizet (1838–1875)

His most important opera is Carmen.

• Carmen 💃
• Don José 👮‍♂️
• Escamillo (Emilio Torero in the original text)

José is a new police officer in Seville. Carmen seduces him, and José starts a relationship with her, leaving everything for her. Carmen then meets Escamillo. Carmen loves both José and Escamillo, and José becomes jealous and kills her.

Romanticism Characteristics (1820–1910)

During this period, artists gave importance to the expression of feelings. Classicism was the opposite. Romantic artists broke rules and started to be original.

In Music

This was the most outstanding period in music history; music acquired the status of a privileged language. Composers were admired and recognized as geniuses without conditions. Music was full of expressiveness, and composers were completely free to compose what they wanted.

Key Musical Elements:

• Melody: Most important element.
• Dynamics: Dynamic effects were constant.
• Orchestra: Bigger symphonic orchestra with new instruments.
• Virtuosos: Very important, such as Paganini (the 'devil's violinist') and Liszt (known for his long fingers).
• Piano: Favorite instrument.

New Forms Appeared:

• Program Music: Soundtrack created for a literary text.
• Symphonic Poem: The opposite of program music; they express a story through their music.
• Lied: (Means 'song' in German) Short songs for piano or piano and voice.

Composers

Frédéric Chopin

Born in Warsaw, he was a virtuoso pianist who started at 8 years old. He lived in Paris and Mallorca. His music is known for being sweet and original.

Robert Schumann (1810–1856)

German pianist and composer, married to Clara Wieck.

Clara Wieck Schumann

A great pianist from the age of 8. She had 8 children with Robert Schumann.