Question 1: Describe how Romantic music differs from Classical music in terms of emotion and expression.

Answer: Romantic music is more expressive and emotional, often using wider dynamics, more expressive melodies, and richer harmonies compared to the more structured and balanced Classical music.

Question 2: Identify and describe one musical feature that is common in Romantic music, such as a particular type of harmony or melody.

Answer: A common feature is the use of chromatic harmonies, which add emotional intensity and tension to the music.

Question 3: Listening task: Imagine a piece of music that starts softly, gradually becomes louder with sweeping melodies, and uses dramatic changes in tempo. What mood or emotion might this music evoke?

Answer: It might evoke feelings of passion, drama, or intense emotion, typical of Romantic music’s focus on expressing deep feelings.

Question 4: Name a famous Romantic composer and one of their well-known works.

Answer: Frédéric Chopin - Nocturnes; or Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake.

Question 5: Explain what a 'programmatic' piece of music is, and give an example of how it might be used in Romantic music.

Answer: A 'programmatic' piece tells a story or describes a scene through music. For example, Tchaikovsky’s '1812 Overture' depicts a historical event.

Question 6: Sketch a simple, free-flowing melodic line that could represent the emotional mood of Romantic music. Label your sketch if possible.

Answer: A flowing, expressive melody with wide intervals and dynamic changes, possibly with some pauses or expressive marks to indicate emotion.

Question 7: Identify and explain the use of a typical Romantic instrument or instrument grouping used in the orchestra.

Answer: The full string section, especially the lush sound of violins and cellos, is often used to evoke emotion and is characteristic of Romantic orchestras.

Question 8: Describe the role of dynamics (loud and soft playing) in Romantic music and how it adds to the music’s expression.

Answer: Dynamics are used more dramatically in Romantic music, with sudden changes from loud to soft to heighten emotional impact.

Question 9: Draw a simple musical staff and sketch a short, expressive melody that might be used in a Romantic piece. The melody should include a mix of rising and falling notes to show expressiveness.

Answer: A melody with varied note lengths, with some notes rising stepwise or by leaps, and falling back down, showing the expressive, lyrical style typical of Romantic music.

Question 10: Explain why composers in the Romantic era often wrote music that was very personal and emotional.

Answer: Because Romantic composers aimed to express individual feelings, imagination, and personal stories, making their music more emotional and expressive.

Question 11: List two features of Romantic music that make it different from the music of the previous Classical period.

Answer: Use of wider dynamic ranges, more expressive melodies, and a greater emphasis on emotion and individual expression.