The Romantic Movement

Romanticism The romantic style in art existed primarily during the late 1700Õs and early 1800Õs, and its influence still exists in many art forms of today. It was not only a movement that affected the art world, but also the spheres of literature, music and architecture. Romanticism emphasized passion and imagination, rather then logic and reason. It can be viewed as a direct response to the time it existed in, the passion and imagination of Romanticism is the completely opposite of the newly industrialized cities, and utilitarian ideals held by many Londoners of the time.

Literature The romantics were very much influenced by the power of nature. They saw nature as the ÒanswerÓ to the modern city, and believed that the goodness and power of nature should be expressed in only its purest forms. Writers such as William Wordsworth held the power and unity of nature above all else.

Music The music of the romantic era was a huge departure from the classical styles of the previous decades. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Hector Berlioz, Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin used changed the face of music forever. The music of the romantic era emphasized the use of complicated melodies, that gave the listener the feeling of wandering through one of the gardens of the era. The use of minor keys gave the music a sound of disjunction, and a more meandering quality. The usage of larger orchestras and new instruments allowed the music to be viewed on a larger scale, then ever previously imagined.

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