What timeframe represents the Romantic period in music history?

The Romantic period in music history is accurately represented by the timeframe from 1820 to 1900. This era is characterized by a shift towards emotional expression and individualism in music, reflecting broader cultural movements of the time that emphasized personal feelings and dramatic themes. Composers during this period sought to convey deep emotions through their works, often drawing inspiration from literature, nature, and nationalistic elements. This contrasts with earlier periods, such as the Baroque and Classical eras, which focused more on form, structure, and balance. The Romantic period includes notable composers such as Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who contributed significantly to the expansion of musical language and expressive techniques. This context highlights why the timeframe from 1820 to 1900 is regarded as the defining era of Romantic music.