Romanticism

Evolving from the structural confines of the Classical era, Romanticism prioritized intense emotion, subjectivity, and individualism in music. Pioneered by transitional figures like *Ludwig van Beethoven*, the movement developed a sonic palette characterized by lyrical, expansive melodies, rich and often dissonant harmonies, and a dramatic dynamic range. Orchestras grew in size to accommodate this grander vision, while the piano became a primary vehicle for virtuosic and intimate expression. The ethos embraced themes of nature, the supernatural, and nationalism, profoundly shaping the trajectory of 19th-century Western art music.