Romantic

• What is the time period during which Romantic Solo Concertos were prominent?

  1820-1900
• What is a characteristic feature of Romantic Solo Concertos?

  They are instrumental works for a single solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.
• What type of concertos were sometimes written for two solo instruments?

  Double Concertos
• How did the harmony in Romantic Solo Concertos evolve?

  Harmony became more dramatic with increased use of chromatic harmony, dissonance, and added note chords.
• What are added note chords in the context of Romantic music?

  Chords that include additional notes, such as 9ths, to create dramatic effects.
• What rhythmic characteristics are common in Romantic Solo Concertos?

  Frequent changes of time signature and tempo.
• What is the typical structure of the first movement in a Romantic Solo Concerto?

  Allegro, where the soloist plays virtually throughout.
• How is the second movement of a Romantic Solo Concerto typically characterized?

  It is slow, lyrical, and song-like, often acting as an introduction to the finale.
• What forms can the third movement of a Romantic Solo Concerto take?

  Rondo, Variation, or Sonata Form.
• What is the texture of Romantic Solo Concertos?

  Homophonic, with melody and accompaniment, but more complex than in Classical Concertos.
• How did the role of the soloist change in Romantic Solo Concertos?

  The soloist became a "heroic figure," while the orchestra took on a more subordinate role.
• What is a cadenza in the context of Romantic Solo Concertos?


  A section that allows the soloist to showcase their skills, which became more complex and written out rather than improvised.
• What are some specific playing techniques used by soloists in Romantic music?

  Techniques include glissandi on the piano and double stopping and harmonics on the violin.
• How did the dynamics in Romantic Solo Concertos differ from earlier periods?


  Extremes of dynamics (ppp, fff) and specific expression markings became common.
• How did the melodies in Romantic Solo Concertos evolve compared to Classical melodies?

  Melodies became longer, more dramatic, and expressive, allowing for greater freedom of expression.
• Who are some notable composers of Romantic Solo Concertos?

  Franz Liszt, Chopin, Clara Schumann, and Brahms.
• What was the impact of the rise of the middle class on concertos during the Romantic period?

  Larger concert halls had to be built to accommodate the rise of the middle class concertgoer.
• What is a typical characteristic of the Romantic orchestra?

  The Romantic orchestra was large and contrasted dramatically with the soloist.
• What new instruments were added to the woodwind section in the Romantic orchestra?

  Instruments such as the Double Bassoon, Cor Anglais, Bass Clarinet, and Piccolo were added.
• What additions were made to the brass section of the Romantic orchestra?

  Trombones, a Tuba, an extra Trumpet, and two further French Horns were added.
• How many players could be in a Romantic orchestra?

  There could be between 90-100 players in a Romantic orchestra.
• What orchestral instruments were commonly chosen for Romantic Solo Concertos?

  The Piano and Violin continued to be popular choices as solo instruments.