Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture (1869)
Piotr Iilich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
A Russian composer, his most famous works include 11 Operas, 3 Ballets, 6 Symphonies.
One of the last of the Romantic era (roughly the 19th Century), his work exhibits extreme emotion.
He was applauded by critics and fellow composers for his beautiful melodies, and criticised for his supposed structural weakness.
Contemporaries include, Liszt, Wagner, and Chopin.
One of the last of the Romantic era (roughly the 19th Century), his work exhibits extreme emotion.
He was applauded by critics and fellow composers for his beautiful melodies, and criticised for his supposed structural weakness.
Contemporaries include, Liszt, Wagner, and Chopin.
The play
Romeo and Juliet is a play written by Shakespeare. The tragic love story tells of the secret marriage (by Friar Lawrence) of Romeo and Juliet, the family feud between the Montagues and Capulets and the suicide of both lovers. Tchaikovsky tells this story in music.
An Overture is a piece of music in one movement, which precedes an Opera.
A Concert Overture exists in its own right separate from an Opera. Romeo and Juliet is a Concert Overture.
A Concert Overture exists in its own right separate from an Opera. Romeo and Juliet is a Concert Overture.
Features of Romantic Music
In general Romantic music is more emotional, colourful and dramatic than the music of previous eras. Romantic doesn’t mean “love”. It is more associated with artist’s state of mind, expression of emotion……all emotions, not just love. This spirit of expression is the kernel of Romanticism.
Large Orchestra Very big when compared to Classical music. Each section was larger. (It’s assumed you know the sections of the orchestra!!) Instruments were of superior quality.
Brass and percussion sections featured. Observe how Tchaikovsky uses Brass and Percussion for moments of great intensity.
Make sure you know the Transposing instruments, and the clefs used. (especially Alto and Tenor)
Programme Music; This is one of the strongest features of the Romantic era, where the composer paints a picture, tells a story, or creates a mood through music.
Dynamics; are extreme and serve the purposes of the mood rather than being solely for contrast.
Harmony; is more colourful and chromatic.
Modulations to un-related keys
Structure; Although many composers use similar forms, they are free when compared to the rigid structural procedures of the Classical era.
Large Orchestra Very big when compared to Classical music. Each section was larger. (It’s assumed you know the sections of the orchestra!!) Instruments were of superior quality.
Brass and percussion sections featured. Observe how Tchaikovsky uses Brass and Percussion for moments of great intensity.
Make sure you know the Transposing instruments, and the clefs used. (especially Alto and Tenor)
Programme Music; This is one of the strongest features of the Romantic era, where the composer paints a picture, tells a story, or creates a mood through music.
Dynamics; are extreme and serve the purposes of the mood rather than being solely for contrast.
Harmony; is more colourful and chromatic.
Modulations to un-related keys
Structure; Although many composers use similar forms, they are free when compared to the rigid structural procedures of the Classical era.
Instrumentation
A large orchestra is used in this work.
Flauto: Flute
Picc: Piccolo
Oboi: Oboe(s)
Clarinetti in A: Clarinets in A NB Transposing Instrument
Corno Inglese: English Horn – a type of oboe
Fagotti: Bassoons – uses bass clef
Corni in F: Horns in F NB Transposing Instruments
Tromboni Tenori: Tenor trombones – use tenor clef
Trombone Basso:
Bass trombone – use bass clef
Tuba: Tuba – bass clef
Timpani: Timpani
Piatti: Cymbals
Gran Cassa: Bass drum
Arpa: Harp
Violino: Violins
Viola: Viola
Violoncello: Cello
Contra Basso: Double Bass
The first page of a score always contains all the instruments in the work. Notice the unusual names, clefs and keys for some of the instruments.
A large orchestra is used in this work.
Flauto: Flute
Picc: Piccolo
Oboi: Oboe(s)
Clarinetti in A: Clarinets in A NB Transposing Instrument
Corno Inglese: English Horn – a type of oboe
Fagotti: Bassoons – uses bass clef
Corni in F: Horns in F NB Transposing Instruments
Tromboni Tenori: Tenor trombones – use tenor clef
Trombone Basso:
Bass trombone – use bass clef
Tuba: Tuba – bass clef
Timpani: Timpani
Piatti: Cymbals
Gran Cassa: Bass drum
Arpa: Harp
Violino: Violins
Viola: Viola
Violoncello: Cello
Contra Basso: Double Bass
The first page of a score always contains all the instruments in the work. Notice the unusual names, clefs and keys for some of the instruments.