Romantic period

The Romantic Period spans roughly from 1820 to the 1900's. There were many new and exciting developements in techniques and forms.

Dissonance: This is the use of un-harmonious notes to create a clashing sound resulting in tension.

Virtuoso: A virtuoso is somebody who is so experienced and well trained in their specific iinstrument that they are often the only person that can play their own music. For example, in the Romantic Period Liszt was a virtuoso pianist and composer, often the only person in his time who could play his piano pieces.

Programme music: Instrumental music that interprets a story, depicts a scene or painting, or illustrates a literary or philosophical idea. The term was first used by Franz Liszt in the 19th century, when programme music was especially popular with composers of Romantic music .

Tone poems: A tone poem or symphonic poem is a piece of orchestral music in a single  movement in which the content of a poem, a story or novel, a painting, a landscape or another non-musical source is illustrated. The term was first applied by composer Franz Liszt. The symphonic poem is in some ways related to opera; whilst it does not use a sung text, it seeks, like opera, a union of music and drama.