The Elements of Romantic Music

Harmony/A
ccompanim
ent
Tempo
Texture
Rhythm

Dynamics/
Articulation
Melody
Form

Timbre

Mood

Explored new chords

Rich, colourful, complex
Chromatic harmony
Dissonant or unstable chords
Rapid modulations
Accelerandos, ritardandos, and subtle
variations
Use of rubato
All textures
Flexible.
Unexpected pauses, syncopations and frequent
changes of duration
Changes could be sudden or gradual
Wide range used
Frequent crescendos and decrescendos
Ranged from ffff to pppp
Tuneful and easy to remember and sing.
Not necessarily balanced phrasing
Miniature to monumental
Movements tended to be longer
Themes may return in subsequent movements
Movements may transition through a passage
directly to the next
Explored the range of instruments using
extremes of registers
Pianos had cast iron frames, so had a brighter
sound. Intro of damper pedal allowed a
sonorous blend of tones
Orchestras larger than before
Sought new ways of blending instruments to
get tone colour required
Great variety and fluctuations
May change suddenly or gradually eg.

Dramatic and turbulent to dance tune.