1. Expansion of the Orchestra:
- Romantic Period: The orchestra grew in size, often exceeding 100 musicians, with new instruments like the piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet, trombones, tuba, and more powerful brass sections.
- Classical Period: Smaller orchestras, typically 30-50 musicians, centered around strings and woodwinds. Brass and percussion were used sparingly.
2. Emotional Expression:
- Romantic Period: Music aimed to evoke emotions and create vivid soundscapes. Composers used contrasting dynamics, rich harmonies, and dramatic crescendos and decrescendos.
- Classical Period: Music focused on balance, elegance, and clarity. Emotions were subtle, and musical gestures were more restrained.
3. Orchestral Color:
- Romantic Period: Emphasis on instrumental virtuosity and distinctive timbres. Instruments were used in unconventional ways, like the harp in a more prominent role.
- Classical Period: Instruments generally stayed within their traditional roles, following a more uniform orchestral blend.
4. Program Music:
- Romantic Period: Many romantic works were inspired by stories or programmatic ideas, such as Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" or Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony.
- Classical Period: Programmatic elements were less common. Composers favored absolute music that explored musical ideas for their own sake.
5. Nationalism:
- Romantic Period: Nationalistic influences inspired composers to incorporate folk melodies, rhythms, and musical traditions into their works.
- Classical Period: Less emphasis on national identity. Music tended to follow a pan-European style influenced by common musical practices.
6. Symphony and Concerto Development:
- Romantic Period: Symphonies and concertos became more elaborate, with movements expanding in length and complexity. More focus on emotional development.
- Classical Period: Symphonies and concertos had clearer formal structures, with concise movements and a focus on thematic development.
7. Conductors:
- Romantic Period: The role of the conductor became increasingly important in leading and shaping the orchestra's sound.
- Classical Period: Conductors played a coordinating role, primarily setting tempo and ensuring ensemble precision.
8. Virtuosity:
- Romantic Period: Music often featured virtuosic soloists showcasing their technical skills and expressive capabilities.
- Classical Period: Virtuosity was valued, but composers typically balanced it with the collective sound of the orchestra.
In summary, the romantic period brought about a significant expansion and transformation of orchestral music, characterized by heightened emotional Ausdruck (expression), programmatic elements, and a broader exploration of orchestral color, leading to larger and more diverse orchestras.