Final answer:
Romantic music is characterized by its expressive lyrical melodies, rich and varied colourful harmonies, lilting rhythms, and flexibility of tempo. These elements served to convey the deep emotions and themes of nature and nationalism that were central to the Romantic era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of the Romantic Era in Music
The Romantic style in music is characterized by several key elements that distinguish it from other periods, particularly the Classical period that preceded it. One of the main features of Romantic music is lyrical melodies, which are expressive and aim to evoke deep emotions. These melodies are often longer and more elaborate compared to the more symmetrical and balanced melodies of the Classical period.
Another characteristic is the use of colourful harmonies. Composers in the Romantic era experimented with new chord progressions, modulations, and dissonances to create richer and more varied soundscapes. This experimentation with harmony added new dimensions to the emotional content of music.
Lilting rhythms and the flexibility of tempo are also aspects of the Romantic style. Composers frequently employed tempo changes and rubato to enhance the expressive quality of their music. This contrasted with the more strict and regular rhythms of the Classical period.
Romantic composers such as Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, Schubert, Chopin, and Wagner, built on the foundations laid by Beethoven, whose latter works transitioned from Classical to Romantic. They wrote music that was deeply connected to human emotion, nature, and national identity, reflecting the broader Romantic movement in art and literature.