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The desire for innovation and the rejection of established norms led to the Romantic age in the 19th century. Unlike the Classical period, which appealed to the mind, the Romantic style sought to touch the heart, showcasing the emotional depth and individual experiences of composers. Music became a means of expressing personal feelings and nationalistic sentiments.
Composers like Beethoven navigated the transition between Classical and Romantic, pushing traditional forms to their limits. They expanded orchestras and explored lush, emotive harmonies, all while tapping into their cultural roots. This period was marked by a thirst for grandeur, as the music grew bigger, longer, and louder amidst the backdrop of revolution and nationalism.