Graduate Music History Placement Practice Exam

The characteristic of Romantic music that stands out is its emphasis on emotional expression and complex harmonies. This era, which flourished roughly from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, saw composers moving away from the formal constraints of the Classical period. They sought to convey deep feelings and explore a wide range of emotions through more intricate and rich harmonic language.

Romantic composers often used innovative chord progressions, chromaticism, and non-traditional scales to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. This emotional depth is reflected in the music's dynamic contrasts, lyrical melodies, and the use of unique instrumental colors, which all serve to enhance the expressive quality of the works.

By contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of the Romantic period. For instance, a focus on bright, cheerful melodies is more indicative of the Classical style, which prioritized clarity and formal structure. The idea of strict adherence to classical forms was more prominent in earlier music and does not align with the Romantic notion of individual expression and stylistic freedom. Lastly, the use of only vocals without instrumental accompaniment contrasts with the Romantic's embracing of orchestration and combined vocal and instrumental textures, which were essential for creating the dramatic and emotive qualities characteristic of this