Romanticism

Romanticism music kicked off in the late 18th century, primarily across Europe, as composers decided that a bit of brooding emotion could spice up the classical norms; think dramatic narratives and plenty of angst, like every teen drama ever. It’s marked by sweeping melodies, dynamic contrasts, and a tendency to raise your eyebrows in melodrama—just in case you needed a soundtrack for your existential crisis. Its legacy? A splendid blend of personal expression and the unerring ability to make every performance feel as though it’s the most important thing in the universe, all whilst feeling quite smug about its heart-on-sleeve approach.