Key Changes In The Romantic Period

In the 19th century, Romantic music dominated the period, and it places emphasis on human subjectivity, inward expression and the freedom to express deep, complex emotions. One of the key changes in the romantic period was the development of solo genres, e.g. concerto, which it emphasizes on the individuality/uniqueness of the soloist, e.g. virtuosity. The soloist was considered to have the function of an orator, whose function is to deliver good musical sense and to arouse deep emotions in the listeners. In the same era, instrumental music became increasingly more important and this was the time when programmatic music came to light. As suggested by the name, audience could usually tell a story from the music. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.4 in G major, Op. 58 Andante con moto was one of them. Now, there is no prominent evidence that Beethoven composed the movement with the Orphic story in his mind but there is some prove that he acquainted with the Virgil text which was associated with the Orpheus Legend.

After placating the Furies of Hell with his lyre Orpheus is granted permission to return to Earth with Eurydice on one condition: he must precede his wife as they exit the underworld and not look back to see her until both safely stand on Earth. Orpheus agreed, but upon reaching Earth he looked back, forgetting his promise and unaware that Eurydice had not yet completed the journey. After Orpheus sees her figure, she vanishes, never to set foot on Earth again.