What are the principal ideals underlying romanticism how are the reflected in the art and literature of the period?

The Romantic period has often been referred to as the 'golden age of the virtuoso'. Pieces were often difficult and were performed on pianos which had become bigger, stronger and louder and which could fill a concert hall with sound.

The emotional range of music as now much widened. romantic composers wee more interested in shouting their personal triumphs and expressing their innermost feelings than in formal structure.

Tonal language was more daring, with sudden modulations and increasing use of unrelated keys. Harmonies were often rich and ark, involving pointed dissonances to suggest inner turmoil, anguish and tension.

Melody: Lyrical, cantabile and deeply expressive

Harmony: Moving away from the restrictions of the classical era; including chromaticism and dissonances; modulations to unrelated keys.

Rhythm: Tempo changes more frequent, rubato often employed

Dynamics: Full range of dynamics used to express the essentially emotional nature of the music

Phrasing: Longer, often irregular phrases

Form: Structure and form far less important than the emotional content; shorter pieces more popular

Texture: Dense but almost homophonic texture; focus on harmony and melody; almost no polyphony

Interpretation: Emotional and expressive playing required. Movement away from the 'polite' performances of the preceding Classical Era.