Expert: Donald - 8/25/2011

Question
I'm having trouble getting a fuller understanding of the differences in melodic techniques used in the Classical and Romantic periods. Nothing I've read or found explains it in simpler terms so i was wondering if you could possibly help?

I know Classical melodies are typically motivic -- fragmented pieces that are, later in the piece, expanded on and developed somewhat. I also know Classical melodies contain varying themes that often seem to act as responses from one to another.

As opposed to Classical melodies of short motivic form, Romantic melodies were usually lyrical -- longer and often repeated rather than further developed as motivics were. Romantic composers also used the same melodies in more than one movement of their work, using cyclic form



This is all that I've been able to fully understand and wrap my head around. I'm hoping you can provide further explanation? If so, that would be great and really appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Courtney,

This is an excellent question! You are obviously a person who thinks and reflects upon difficult issues. That's a sure sign of intelligence!

The most obvious difference between Classical period melodies and Romantic period melodies is the use of cadences and modulations. In the Classical period, melodies typically come to a cadence (a place of resolution) regularly every 4 measures or eight measures. Mozart's piano sonatas are an excellent place to see this. Romantic melodies can go for long periods of time before they reach a cadence point. The melodies of Wagner often overlap to the point that cadences are very tough to analyze. Often, the melodies are spun out due to the harmonic structure of the piece. Mozart typically used V-I cadences at important places, while Wagner often leaves the I chord out completely, choosing instead to simply stay on the V chord as a part of the new key. The Prelude to Tristan and Isolde is an excellent example of this.

Of course, there is much more to your question that a forum like this will not allow for. Many books have been written about the style and performance practice of Classical and Romantic music.
Your take on the differences is essentially accurate. I hope that looking for cadences will also help.

Thanks for your question!

Best regards,

Donald