Romantic

The Romantic era, (like the Classical era), is a bit ambiguous in that music began to transition before 1820 and continued after the 1900s.  Era identification is based more on musical characteristics rather than date.

Ideas were more "grand" and elegant.  Forms were freer and music was described as "refined" and "sweet."   Italian terms were more commonly used to describe tempo and expression.  Text was more personal and music was overall more individually expressive.  Most music was considered to be either "progressive and inventive," or "conservative, backward, and traditional."2