Classical Music in the Nineteenth Century

Man with Musical Instrument

Library of Congress

Classical music from the 1800s witnessed profound transformations, marked by the shift from the Classical to the Romantic period. The century began with the refined symphonies of Beethoven, whose later works bridged the Classical and Romantic eras with their emotional depth and structural complexity. This period saw the emergence of composers like Schubert, whose lieder and symphonies added lyrical intimacy to the grandeur of orchestral music. The Romantic movement further flourished with Chopin's poetic piano compositions and Wagner's expansive operas, which introduced leitmotifs and pushed the boundaries of musical drama. The era was characterized by a greater emphasis on emotional expression, innovative orchestration, and a departure from the strict forms of earlier periods, reflecting broader artistic and cultural shifts of the 19th century.

For an online exhibit of classical Music from the Nineteenth Century, check out The Met Museum.