Romantic Composers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the overall design of the piece styled as by the composer?

Overture-Fantasy

What are the three main strains of the story in this symphonic poem?

The Prince's decree

Friar Laurence (correct)

The love theme (correct)

The fight between the Capulets and Montagues (correct)

Who composed 'Roméo et Juliette'?

Hector Berlioz

Roméo et Juliette is most structurally indebted to Mozart's 9th symphony.

False Signup and view all the answers

Roméo et Juliette is a symphonie __________.

dramatique Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Beethoven's 9th symphony does Roméo et Juliette reflect?

The use of soloists and choir Signup and view all the answers

What significant theme is found in the introduction of Roméo et Juliette?

The theme of Friar Laurence Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted in the finale of Roméo et Juliette?

The weight of the vocal contribution Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument's theme is present in the introduction according to Berlioz?

Trombone Signup and view all the answers

What are the notable features of Richard Wagner's later compositions?

Complex textures, rich harmonies and orchestration, elaborate use of leitmotifs. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Tristan und Isolde'?

An opera by Richard Wagner. Signup and view all the answers

What are the titles of the four operas in Wagner's 'Ring Cycle'?

Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Carl Maria von Weber?

A German composer and a significant figure of the Romantic school. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hugo Wolf known for?

His art songs, or Lieder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Giuseppe Verdi in opera?

He was the first to use the chorus as another character and had major opera successes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of 'Rigoletto'?

It revolves around the Duke of Mantua, his court jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto's daughter Gilda. Signup and view all the answers

How many acts does 'Il Trovatore' have?

Four acts. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'La Traviata' based on?

La Dame aux Camélias. Signup and view all the answers

What historical event does the '1812 Overture' commemorate?

Russia's defense against Napoleon's invasion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of 'The Flying Dutchman'?

Redemption through love. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Aida' about?

It is set in Egypt and centers around an Ethiopian princess. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Vincenzo Bellini?

An Italian opera composer known as 'the Swan of Catania'. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hector Berlioz best known for?

His compositions such as Symphonie fantastique and Harold en Italie. Signup and view all the answers

What is Georges Bizet most famous for?

The opera Carmen. Signup and view all the answers

What did Johannes Brahms compose for?

Symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, piano, organ, and voice and chorus. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Anton Bruckner?

An Austrian composer known for his symphonies and masses. Signup and view all the answers

What nationality was Frederic Chopin?

Polish. Signup and view all the answers

What type of operas did Gaetano Donizetti compose?

Bel canto operas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the opera 'Lucia di Lammermoor' about?

The emotionally fragile Lucy Ashton caught in a family feud. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Antonin Dvorak?

A Czech composer known for integrating national idioms with the symphonic tradition. Signup and view all the answers

What is Edward Elgar known for?

His significant contributions to British classical music repertoire. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mikhail Glinka recognized for?

The fountainhead of Russian classical music. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Gounod compose?

Ave Maria and the opera Faust. Signup and view all the answers

What is Edvard Grieg celebrated for?

His use of Norwegian folk music in classical compositions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Leoncavallo Ruggero most famous opera?

Pagliacci. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Franz Liszt?

A prolific Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gustav Mahler known for?

Being a bridge between the 19th-century Austro-German tradition and early modernism. Signup and view all the answers

What type of music did Jules Massenet compose?

Operas and various orchestral works. Signup and view all the answers

What is Felix Mendelssohn credited with reviving?

The music of J.S. Bach. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Giacomo Meyerbeer?

A successful German opera composer of the 19th century. Signup and view all the answers

What was Modest Mussorgsky's main goal in his music?

To achieve a uniquely Russian musical identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is Giacomo Puccini known for?

Being the greatest composer of Italian opera after Verdi. Signup and view all the answers

What was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov a master of?

Orchestration. Signup and view all the answers

What nickname is Gioachino Rossini known by?

'The Italian Mozart.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Camille Saint-Saens's best-known work?

Danse macabre. Signup and view all the answers

What is Franz Schubert recognized for?

His vast oeuvre spanning over 600 secular vocal works. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Lied 'Der Erlkonig' depict?

The death of a child by a supernatural being. Signup and view all the answers

What type of music did Robert Schumann primarily compose?

Works for piano, Lieder, symphonies, and orchestral music. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bedrich Smetana particularly recognized for?

Being the father of Czech music. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Richard Strauss?

A leading German composer known for his operas and tone poems. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Death and Transfiguration'?

A tone poem depicting the death of an artist. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Don Juan' by Richard Strauss based on?

A play derived from the tale of Don Juan. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Ein Heldenleben' known for?

Its autobiographical nature and orchestral demands. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks' chronicle?

The misadventures of the German folk hero Till Eulenspiegel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the philosophical inspiration behind 'Thus Spake Zarathustra'?

Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical novel. Signup and view all the answers

What type of format is 'Don Quixote' composed in?

Theme and variations form. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Tchaikovsky's music?

Wide stylistic and emotional range. Signup and view all the answers

What was Richard Wagner's concept of 'Gesamtkunstwerk'?

A total work of art that synthesizes various artistic forms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vincenzo Bellini

Italian opera composer renowned for elaborate melodic lines.
Known as "the Swan of Catania," iconic figure of the bel canto era.

Hector Berlioz

French Romantic composer recognized for works like Symphonie fantastique and Harold en Italie.
Authored Treatise on Instrumentation, influencing orchestration and instrumentation techniques.
His compositions reflect significant advancements in Romanticism.

Georges Bizet

French composer from the Romantic period, famous for the opera Carmen.
His operatic career was brief due to early death, but Carmen remains a staple in opera repertoire.

Johannes Brahms

German composer and pianist, key figure of the Romantic era.
Composed for diverse ensembles and was a virtuoso pianist.
His music combines classical structural roots with romantic motifs, blending tradition and innovation.

Anton Bruckner

Austrian composer known for symphonies and sacred music, emblematic of Austro-German Romanticism.
His compositions are characterized by rich harmonies, polyphony, and bold dissonances.

Frederic Chopin

Polish composer primarily known for solo piano works, pushing the instrument's technical boundaries.
Influential in the late Romantic period, blending nationalism with unique harmonic and stylistic innovations.

Gaetano Donizetti

Italian composer prominent in the bel canto style, influenced later composers like Verdi.
Wrote nearly 70 operas, showcasing a range of successes.

Lucia di Lammermoor

A tragic opera by Donizetti, set in 17th-century Scotland.
Explores themes of familial conflict and personal fragility, linked to Scottish heritage.

Antonin Dvořák

Czech composer whose style merges national idioms with symphonic traditions.
Known for absorbing folk influences, his works reflect a nationalistic identity in music.

Edward Elgar

Influential English composer, noted for contributions to classical concert repertoire.
Early adopter of the gramophone, creating recordings of his major orchestral works.

Mikhail Glinka

First major Russian composer, instrumental in shaping Russian classical music.
His work influenced future composers, notably the members of "The Five."

Charles Gounod

French composer famous for the opera Faust and his version of Ave Maria.
His operatic contributions remain an essential part of the repertoire.

Edvard Grieg

Norwegian composer and pianist, key figure of the Romantic period.
Utilized Norwegian folk music in compositions, enhancing cultural awareness internationally.

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Italian composer best known for the opera Pagliacci.
His operatic success defined his lasting legacy.

Franz Liszt

A prolific Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist, influential in Romantic music.
Developed symphonic poems and thematic transformation, notable for radical harmonic advancements.

Gustav Mahler

Austro-Bohemian composer and conductor, bridging 19th-century tradition and early modernism.
Distinguished as a conductor and known for late-Romantic symphonic works.

Jules Massenet

French composer recognized for over thirty operas, particularly Manon and Werther.
Also involved in orchestral and incidental music, showcasing musical versatility.

Felix Mendelssohn

German composer and conductor known for reviving Bach's music.
Concerns with classical traditions rather than innovation define his works.

Giacomo Meyerbeer

Jewish German opera composer, known for pioneering grand opera.
Merged styles to create a distinctive operatic form, significantly influencing the genre.

Modest Mussorgsky

Russian composer and member of "The Five," known for creating a unique Russian musical identity.
Works reflect Russian themes, folklore, and history.

Giacomo Puccini

Italian composer hailed as a leading figure in verismo opera, focusing on realistic representations.
Notable works include La Boheme and Tosca, showcasing intricate character-driven storytelling.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Russian composer celebrated for orchestration, his works often involve folklore themes.
Known for compositions like Scheherazade that blend exoticism with classical styles.

Gioachino Rossini

Italian composer famous for operas, significant use of memorable melodies.
Known for rapid composition style, he influenced subsequent operatic conventions.

Camille Saint-Saens

French composer, noted for a range of orchestral works including Danse Macabre and The Carnival of the Animals.
Fit into conventional classical tradition while showcasing personal style.

Franz Schubert

Austrian composer known for Lieder, symphonies, and chamber works.
His style blends classical forms with lyrical Romantic melodies, influencing the Lied genre.

Der Erlkonig

Schubert's dramatic Lied depicts a child's encounter with a supernatural being.
Text by Goethe, notable for its vivid imagery and emotional depth.

Robert Schumann

German composer and critic, focused on piano compositions early in his career.
Created a diverse body of work including symphonies and Lieder.

Bedrich Smetana

Czech composer regarded as the father of Czech music.
Known for works like The Bartered Bride and Má vlast, celebrating national identity.

Richard Strauss

German composer noted for operas and orchestral works like Also sprach Zarathustra.
Represents a culmination of German Romanticism, combining orchestration and harmonic innovation.

Death and Transfiguration

Tone poem by Strauss depicting an artist’s death and spiritual journey.
Structured in four parts, exploring themes of life and transcendence.

Don Juan

Tone poem by Strauss based on a retelling of the Don Juan legend.
Explores themes of pursuit, despair, and ultimate surrender.

Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life)

Strauss's autobiographical tone poem featuring extensive orchestral demands and quotations from his own works.
Employs leitmotifs analogous to Wagner's, reflecting personal and heroic narratives.

Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

Tone poem by Strauss chronicling the mischief of a folk hero, featuring distinct thematic representations.
Incorporates narrative elements through orchestration.

Thus Spake Zarathustra

Tone poem inspired by Nietzsche, divided into nine sections outlining philosophical journeys.
Reflects complex themes and orchestral innovation.

Don Quixote

Tone poem featuring cello and orchestra, structured in variations representing character dynamics.
Draws on Cervantes’ classic novel, blending narrative with musical representation.

Piotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Renowned Russian composer whose music has global appeal, marked by diverse emotional expression.
His formal training differed from nationalists, resulting in a rich stylistic repertoire blending classical forms with folk elements.

Richard Wagner

Pioneering composer of music dramas, known for extensive operatic contributions.
Revolutionized the operatic form through the concept of "Gesamtkunstwerk," merging various artistic disciplines.

Tristan und Isolde

Wagner's three-act opera is acclaimed for its chromaticism and profound emotional depth.
Represents a defining work in the operatic canon, emphasizing complex harmonic textures.

Ring Cycle Operas (Der Ring des Nibelungen)

A monumental cycle of four operas by Wagner detailing epic tales of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.
Explores themes of power and destiny across generations, encapsulating a grand narrative.

Carl Maria von Weber

German composer instrumental in developing Romantic opera in Germany.
Notable operas include Der Freischütz, influencing the genre's evolution.### Importance of Der Freischütz and Other Works
Der Freischütz: Regarded as the first German nationalist opera; influential on the perception of German operatic identity.
Euryanthe: Notable for its advanced use of the Leitmotif technique, enhancing thematic development in opera.
Oberon: May have influenced Mendelssohn's music for A Midsummer Night's Dream; reflects Weber's interest in non-Western music.

Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)

Composed significant works for instruments like clarinet, bassoon, and horn.
His Catholic music gained popularity in 19th century Germany; recognized for pioneering early song cycles.

Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)

Austrian composer of Slovene descent, renowned for his expressive art songs (Lieder).
His unique intensity parallels the Second Viennese School's style but differs significantly in technique.

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

Italian composer innovated the use of chorus as a character in opera; minimized excessive vocal displays.
Major operatic successes include Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Il Trovatore.

Rigoletto

Opera in three acts featuring a tragic narrative involving the Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto, and his daughter Gilda.
Revolutionary for merging melodies with recitative, featuring only one aria and no act finales.

Il Trovatore ("The Troubadour")

A four-act opera based on a play, known for its dramatic music and unconventional structure.

La Traviata ("The Fallen Woman")

Three-act opera based on Alexandre Dumas' novel, esteemed in the opera repertoire.

Otello

Verdi's penultimate opera, a four-act work based on Shakespeare; features vocally demanding parts.

Aida

Four-act opera set in Egypt, premiered in 1871, tells the story of an Ethiopian princess.

1812 Overture

Composed by Tchaikovsky, commemorates Russia's defense against Napoleon in 1812.
Features competing themes from Russian hymns and the French national anthem, culminating in celebratory canon shots.

Barber of Seville

An opera buffa by Rossini based on Beaumarchais's play, acclaimed as a pinnacle of the genre.

Carnaval

Composed by Schumann, consists of 21 pieces representing festive masked characters.

Don Carlos

Grand opera in five acts by Verdi, longest opera comprised of both historical and dramatic elements.

Elektra

A modernist opera by Richard Strauss, focusing on intense themes of revenge adapted from Greek mythology.

Enigma Variations

Orchestral work by Elgar, containing 14 variations representing close acquaintances, shrouded in mystery.

Ernani

Opera drama by Verdi, enjoyed immense popularity until the rise of Il Trovatore.

Faust

Grand opera by Gounod, inspired by Goethe's work, featuring dramatic elements from classical literature.

The Flying Dutchman

Wagner's opera centered on themes of redemption through love, utilizing early leitmotif techniques.

Der Freischütz ("The Marksman")

First significant German Romantic opera incorporating elements of German folk music and supernatural themes.

A German Requiem

Brahms's requiem features seven movements focused on comforting the living with a sacred but non-liturgical text.

Harold in Italy

Symphony by Berlioz featuring solo viola, inspired by Paganini, characterized by a melancholic journey.

Hungarian Rhapsodies

Composed by Liszt, this collection celebrates Hungarian folk themes and has been arranged for different formats.

Pagliacci ("Clowns")

Leoncavallo's opera is notable for its narrative depth and historical significance in early recording.

Italian Symphony

Mendelssohn's orchestral work inspired by his travels in Italy, capturing its vibrancy.

A Life for the Tsar

Glinka's opera combines Russian folk idioms with conventional European compositional techniques, marking a nationalistic era.

Lohengrin

Wagner's opera characterized by the prominent Bridal Chorus; it blends dramatic storytelling with through-composed music.

Madama Butterfly

Puccini's three-act opera explores cross-cultural tensions, based on tales of missionary encounters in Japan.

Manon

Massenet's opéra comique celebrated for its charm and narrative depth during the Parisian Belle Époque.

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Wagner's operatic comedy set in the Renaissance era, focusing on a guild of master singers with a historic backdrop.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Overture

Mendelssohn's overture combines romantic nuances with classical structures, inspired by Shakespeare.

The Moldau

A symphonic poem by Smetana that employs tone painting to represent the iconic river in Bohemia.

Norma

Bellini's operatic masterpiece, recognized for its bel canto style and the famous aria "Casta diva."

Les Préludes

Liszt's third symphonic poem, exemplifying the symphonic poem genre with elements from his choral works.

Parsifal

Wagner's final opera, drawing from Arthurian legends, incorporates extensive leitmotifs and chromaticism.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Mussorgsky's suite for piano transformed into a celebrated orchestral arrangement, notable for its vivid imagery.

Quintet in C Maj. D956

Schubert's last chamber work, noteworthy for its emotional depth and unique cello integration, hailed as a masterpiece.

"Reformation" Symphony

Mendelssohn's symphony commemorating the Augsburg Confession, significant in Protestant Reformation history.

"Rhenish" Symphony

Schumann's last symphony inspired by a joyous trip to the Rhineland, filled with personal experiences reflected in music.

Romeo and Juliet (Tchaikovsky)

Orchestral work titled Overture-Fantasy, structured in sonata form, capturing key narrative themes from Shakespeare's play.

Romeo and Juliet (Berlioz)

Large-scale choral symphony influenced by Beethoven's Ninth, emphasizing weighty vocal contributions and elaborate orchestration.

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Test your knowledge of key Romantic composers and their notable works with these flashcards. Learn about influential figures like Vincenzo Bellini and Hector Berlioz, and explore their contributions to music history.