Even in our 21st century, composers from the Romantic Era (ca 1810-1880) fill the majority of classical music programs. Of course we still listen to Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. We adore the late Romantic composers Strauss and Mahler, not to mention the French Impressionists Debussy and Ravel. And fortunately, many hold dear hundreds of 20thcentury composers as well as the newest voices emerging in our 21st century. But far and away, it’s the music from the Romantic Era that draws most of our hearts and minds.

With piano demonstrations, recordings, and spirited discussion, I will take you on a journey to explore just why we still have such a strong emotional connection to this music through the lens of eight of the most influential, studied, and admired of these composers: Schubert, Berlioz, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Wagner, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. All were strong individuals. All built on the innovations and musical language of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to carve out highly personal worlds. This series on ZOOM requires only your curiosity and enthusiasm. No previous musical knowledge necessary.

SESSION OUTLINE

1.     Romantic Era Overview and Schubert the Songmaster
Selected Songs: The Earl King, To Music, selections from The Winter’s JourneySelected Piano Music: Impromptus in A Flat and F minor, Sonata in B flat Major

2.     Berlioz the Hyper-Romantic
Symphonie Fantastique
Sanctus from Requiem Mass

3.     Schumann the Musical Poet
Arabeske, Dedication (Widmung), Poet’s Love (Dichterliebe)

4.     Mendelssohn the Romantic Prodigy
Selected piano music from Songs Without Words
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

5.     Chopin the Sublime Pianist
Selected Preludes, Berceuse, Mazurka in F minor (op. 68#4)
Piano Concerto No. 1

6.     Wagner, Opera, and the Twilight of Tonality
Prelude to Tristan and Isolde, Ride of the Valkyries, Prelude  to Parsifal 

7.     Brahms the Supreme Craftsman
Selected Intermezzi
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Piano Quintet in F minor

8.     Tchaikovsky and the Russian Soul; Peek at the Late Romantic Composers
Symphony No. 2, first movement
Symphony No. 6, Pathetique