Question 1: Describe the typical characteristics of melody in Romantic music. Mention at least two features.

Answer: Romantic melodies are often expressive and lyrical, with wide range and expressive phrasing. They may also include chromaticism and frequent use of expressive intervals such as leaps.

Question 2: Identify the typical harmonic language used in Romantic compositions. Provide two examples of how harmony is used to create emotional effect.

Answer: Romantic music often uses rich, chromatic harmonies and extended chords like ninths and thirteenths to add color. Dissonances are often resolved slowly to heighten emotional tension.

Question 3: List three common features of Romantic orchestration and explain their emotional impact.

Answer: Use of lush string sections for warmth and expressiveness, brass for boldness and grandeur, and wind instruments for color and nuance. These elements create a rich, emotive sound palette.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by 'rubato' and how it was used by Romantic performers.

Answer: Rubato is the flexible tempo where performers slightly speed up or slow down to enhance expressiveness, often used to make melodic lines more emotive.

Question 5: Describe the role of programmatic music during the Romantic era. How does it differ from absolute music?

Answer: Programmatic music tells a story or depicts scenes, emotions, or ideas through music, often with titles or extra-musical references. Absolute music is purely instrumental without a specific narrative.

Question 6: Identify the features of a typical Romantic piano piece in terms of tempo, dynamics, and mood.

Answer: Romantic piano music often features expressive tempo rubato, wide dynamic ranges from soft to very loud, and moods that can be passionate, melancholic, or heroic.

Question 7: Listening Analysis: Imagine a piece with a soaring melody in the violin, rich harmonies, and a dramatic crescendo. What mood or emotion is this music likely conveying?

Answer: It is likely conveying a sense of passion, heroism, or intense emotion characteristic of Romantic music.

Question 8: Draw a simple sketch of a musical phrase that demonstrates expressive use of large leaps and expressive phrasing. Label the phrase with 'large leaps' and 'expressive phrasing'.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a melodic line with wide intervals (large leaps) between notes, with the phrase marked for expressive shaping—gradual crescendo or decrescendo, and a natural, flowing contour.

Question 9: Describe how the use of chromaticism in Romantic music can influence the emotional atmosphere of a piece.

Answer: Chromaticism introduces notes outside the standard scale, creating tension, instability, or longing, which heightens emotional intensity and expressiveness.

Question 10: Identify one famous Romantic composer and name a well-known work, explaining briefly what makes it characteristic of the Romantic style.

Answer: Frédéric Chopin, 'Nocturne in E-flat Major', is characteristic due to its lyrical melody, expressive use of rubato, and delicate, poetic mood.