43. Romantic-era Musical Nationalism

Overview

When the European revolutions of 1848 failed, nationalism came to be expressed in non-political ways. In music, it was manifest in works that incorporated elements of folk music, or folk-like music, and folklore. Frederick Chopin turned to Polish music for inspiration. Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt were inspired by Hungarian or, at least, gypsy-sounding music. Liszt, one of the greatest pianists (and showmen) who ever lived, was also a composer of such masterpieces as Totentanz. This sensational piece of program music, part theme and variations form and part piano concerto, is an example of Romanticism’s fondness for excess and its fascination with the macabre.

Cast