French Romanticism in music emerged in the early 19th century, epitomizing a nationalistic flourish within the arts, characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and a fascination with nature and the supernatural. The composers from this genre wove together lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and rich orchestral textures to evoke profound passion and dramatic storytelling. Opera held a particularly esteemed place, with figures like Bizet and Gounod pushing the boundaries of melodic expressiveness, while Saint-Saëns and Berlioz contributed to the symphonic and instrumental catalog with innovative orchestration and thematic development. The era thrived on the balance between formal elegance and the unbridled outpouring of the human experience, capturing the grandiose and the delicate with equal exuberance.

Coda: Piano Works

Claude Debussy•

Maurice Ravel•

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky•

Franz Schubert•

Camille Saint-Saëns

Album - 94 Tracks - Released September 17, 2024