Unit XVIII Romantic Program Music

Unit XVIII: Romantic Program Music (chaps. 47-49)

LESSON INDEX

Overview

Here we will understand the special importance of program music in the Romantic era, and note the differences between programmatic and absolute forms. We will hear a program symphony by the French composer Hector Berlioz and see how the rising nationalistic spirit moved the Bohemian composer Bedrich Smetana to write his symphonic poem, The Moldau.

Lesson 47. Discovering Romantic program music

Lesson 48. Discovering Berlioz and the program symphony

Lesson 49. Discovering Smetana and musical nationalism

Evaluating your knowledge

Terms

Test your knowledge of the terms and concepts from this unit by completing the Reviewing quiz 18: Romantic Program Music and Nationalism. Grade yourself and make sure you review any errors.

Listening

Complete Listening Quiz 16: The Romantic Program Symphony and Symphonic Poem. Grade yourself and review any questions you missed.

Exploring

Read the text of the Cultural Perspective, Music and Nationalis, which provides an overview, some issues for reflection, and possible projects to complete. It also offers links to some interesting sites that allow you to learn more about the topic.

Assignment

Consider the folklore and history of the United States that might inspire the composition of a nationalistic musical work. Write a short essay describing the "program" and how it might be realized in music.

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