The Romantic Era 1820-1900

The end of the 1700s was a turbulent time that brought many changes to the world. People wanted to be in charge of their own lives and did not want

kings and queens telling them what to do.

Romantic Era Inventions

Joseph Niépce was a French inventor, most noted as one of the inventors of

photography. He is most notable for producing the first photographs, dating to the 1820s. As revolutionary as his invention was,

he is little known even today.

The Romantic Era was also characterized by the Industrial Revolution, a time when manufacturing became mechanized and people left farm life to

work and live in cities where manufacturing plants were located. Scientific and mechanical

achievements were made in the development of railroads, steamboats, the telegraph, telephone,

photography and sound recordings.

Composers began breaking the rules of music at the end of the Classical period. They went even farther in the Romantic

period, using this freedom to express their ideas and emotions. Their music is very

dramatic and personal.

Romantic composers were often inspired by poetry, art, folk legends, stories, nature and their own imaginations.

Ludwig von Beethoven loved to walk in the country and his 6th symphony is known as the “Pastoral” Symphony. It

describes a brook, a thunderstorm and shepherds in the country. Richard Strauss who lived at the end of the

Romantic period, wrote An Alpine Symphony about a day he spend walking the mountains when he was a boy.

The music of the past greatly interested Romantic composer, Felix Mendelssohn. In particular he loved the prelude and fugues of J.S. Bach who had died 60 years

before. Mendelssohn organized and conducted a performed a concert of Bach’s music and people rediscovered what a great composer he was.

A very important invention came in 1815 with invention of the valve. Valves are cylinders

or pistons that move to alter the length of the tube that air passes through inside a brass

instrument.

Flutes and clarinets were made easier to play with a new system of keys. This new

system of keys also used on the saxophone, which was patented in 1846.

Romantic ClothingAfter 1825 the decade saw sleeves billow to huge

proportions by 1833.  They came to typify the look we now associate with the costume of the Romantic Era.

Romantic Hairstyles    Women's hair between 1825 an 1845 was elaborate and ingenious. The most

modish hair fashion was the 'Apollo Knot', a striking style tending to lean to one side. Another lesser style was the 'Madonna' coiffure with the centre parted and

built up with ringlets at crown and sides.

Romantic Era Homes1780 - 1840: Federal and Adam House Styles

Picture Dictionary of American Colonial House Styles: Federal and Adam Styles