1. Transitional Composers: Some composers, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, lived during the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras and their music incorporates elements of both styles. Beethoven's early works show strong Classical influences, while his later works exhibit more Romantic tendencies.
2. Ornamentation: Ornamented melodies were a feature of both Classical and Romantic music. Classical composers typically used ornamentation as embellishment within a formal structure, while Romantic composers employed ornamentation more expressively.
3. Piano Music: The piano gained prominence during both eras. For Classical composers, the piano was suitable for intimate pieces and chamber music, while Romantic composers expanded its role as a versatile instrument capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.
4. Expression and Emotion: While Classical music focused on balance, clarity, and formal structure, Romantic music emphasized emotional expression and subjective experiences. However, many Classical composers, such as Mozart, also explored emotional expression within their formal structures.
5. Romantic Elements in Classical Forms: Some Classical composers, like Haydn and Mozart, occasionally included dramatic sections with intense emotional expression within structured movements, foreshadowing aspects of Romanticism.
6. Symphonic Development: The concept of the symphony was well-established during the Classical era, and it continued to play a crucial role in the Romantic era. Romantic composers expanded the size of the orchestra and infused symphonies with dramatic and programmatic elements.
7. Opera and Art Song: Opera evolved significantly from the Classical to the Romantic eras. Classical operas featured formal recitatives and arias, while Romantic operas placed greater emphasis on orchestral interludes, continuous dramatic development, and more intense character portrayals. Similarly, the lied (art song) emerged during the Romantic era, offering greater flexibility in expressing personal emotions in vocal music.
These shared characteristics demonstrate that the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras was gradual and influenced by cultural, aesthetic, and societal changes that fostered a shift in musical priorities and expressions.