The Romantic SymphonyThe Romantic Symphony

““A great symphony is a man-made Mississippi A great symphony is a man-made Mississippi down which we irresistibly flow from the instant down which we irresistibly flow from the instant of our leave-taking to a long foreseen of our leave-taking to a long foreseen destination.”destination.”

Aaron Copland Aaron Copland

The Form of the Symphony

Movement I: Sonata-Allegro Form Movement II: ABA, or theme and

variations, (SLOW) Movement III: Minuet/Trio OR

Scherzo/Trio (ABA) Movement IV: Sonata-allegro OR

Rondo (ABACA)

Sonata-Allegro Form Exposition

Theme 1 – Home key Theme 2 – Different Key Closing

Development Anything goes!

Recapitulation Theme 1 – Home key Theme 2 – Home key Closing theme – Home key

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

“It is not hard to compose, but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the title.”

Brahms— . . . as he made his way to The Red Hedgehog, his favorite tavern.

About Brahms

Studied with Schumann (in love with Clara)

In awe of Beethoven, therefore started composing late (after age 40) and with much self-criticism; very meticulous

Classical tradition – to show that new things could be said in the 18th c. traditions

Brahms’ Music

Four Symphonies Solo piano music Chamber music Lieder Requiem

Brahms’ Style

Not too forward-thinking Traditionalist

Brahms’ Symphony No. 3

Four movements Third Movement: ABA

Minor keyEmotional

Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904)

Dvořák (1841-1904)

Bohemian Director of National Conservatory

of Music (NYC) Influence of spirituals Wrote 9 symphonies, operas,

choral music, keyboard music, chamber music

Dvořák’s . . . New World Symphony 1893 “Descriptive landscape, evoking the

openness of the American prairie, as well as the composer’s longing for his homeland.

Four movements Linked to the influence of Longfellow’s

Song of Hiawatha First Movement: Third theme, Swing

Low, Sweet Chariot (influence of spirituals)

The Romantic Concerto A work containing several movements

(usually 3) for a solo instrument plus orchestra

Solo performer featured Form: Conforms to the standard

symphony, except for the double exposition

Cadenza – A solo which sounds like an improvisation . . . Often written out . . . A time for the performer to show off!

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Well-to-do supportive family

Worshipped Bach Pianist, conductor,

organizer of festivals, educator

Founded Conservatory of Leipzig

Mendelssohn’s Music

Five Symphonies Two piano concertos Violin Concerto Concerto Overtures (A Midsummer

Night’s Dream) Choral music, chamber music, piano

music, organ music, vocal music

Mendelssohn . . .

Preserved earlier forms Revival of Bach!!!!!!

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor 1844 Three movements played without pause First movement:

Concerto form Different BECAUSE entry of violin FIRST Includes cadenza, (a time for the performer

to “show off”) before the short recapitulation, an unusual place for a cadenza