1. Influence of Classical Masters: Many traditionalist composers during the Romantic era looked back to the Classical era (roughly 1750-1830) as a source of inspiration and guidance. Classical composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven were highly esteemed for their technical mastery, structural clarity, and emotional depth in their music.
2. Preservation of Traditions: Traditionalist composers felt a strong sense of continuity with the musical traditions established by these Classical masters. They believed in preserving and continuing these traditions, rather than completely breaking away from them. This preservation of musical traditions included adherence to traditional forms like the sonata, symphony, and concerto.
3. Technical Mastery: Traditionalist composers admired the technical proficiency and craftsmanship demonstrated by the Classical masters. They studied and analyzed the works of these masters to gain insights into musical structure, harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration. This admiration led to a continued emphasis on technical excellence in their own compositions.
4. Emotional Expression: While the Romantic era is known for its emphasis on emotional expression, traditionalist composers still respected and incorporated elements of Classical music's emotional restraint. They believed in maintaining a balance between情感expression and structural coherence. This approach is evident in the works of composers such as Johannes Brahms, who blended Romantic expressiveness with Classical discipline.
5. Homage and Tribute: Many traditionalist composers paid homage to the masters through their own compositions. This could take the form of direct quotations, allusions, or stylistic imitation. For instance, Brahms composed a set of variations on a theme by Haydn, demonstrating his admiration for the earlier master's work.
6. Teaching and Pedagogy: Traditionalist composers often passed on their reverence for the masters through teaching and pedagogy. They incorporated the works of Classical masters into their teaching curricula, ensuring that the musical knowledge and traditions were passed down to future generations of musicians and composers.
While the Romantic era brought about significant changes and innovations in music, traditionalist composers played an important role in maintaining a connection to the past and preserving the musical legacy of the great masters. Their respect and admiration for these masters shaped their own compositional approaches and contributed to the continuity of musical traditions across different eras.