The term âRomanticâ has a different meaning from the usual understanding of it when we talk about music history. Listen to the fourth movement of Hector Berliozâs Symphonie fantastique and Edvard Griegâs In the Hall of the Mountain King.* ( you can find them on YouTube)
What Makes It Romantic?
What is Romantic (with a capital R) about these two pieces?
How does the composersâ use of the (Romantic) orchestra support the meaning of the music?
Two pivotal works that were important in helping define modern music were Claude Debussyâs Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun and Igor Stravinskyâs The Rite of Spring. Listen to both pieces.* ( you can find them on YouTube)
What Makes It Modern?
These two pieces certainly have contrasting sounds. What are some of the qualities of Debussyâs and Stravinskyâs music that still sound âmodernâ to our ears? Or do they still sound âmodernâ?
Sample Solution