Meaning: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century and peaked in the first half of the 19th century. It was characterized by an emphasis on emotion and individualism, as well as glorification of the past and nature. The quote "In Romanticism, the main determinant is the mood, the atmosphere. And in that regard, you could also describe Schubert as a Romantic" by Dietrich Dieskau, a renowned musician, sheds light on the essence of Romanticism and its connection to the works of Franz Schubert.

The main determinant in Romanticism, as described in the quote, is the mood and atmosphere. This highlights the emphasis on emotional expression and the portrayal of intense feelings in Romantic art and music. Rather than focusing on strict adherence to classical forms and rules, Romantic artists sought to evoke emotions and create a powerful, often introspective, experience for the audience. This focus on the emotional and atmospheric elements of art is evident in the works of various Romantic composers, including Franz Schubert.

Franz Schubert, an Austrian composer who lived in the early 19th century, is often regarded as a quintessential Romantic composer. His compositions, particularly his lieder (German art songs), symphonies, and chamber music, exhibit the expressive and emotive qualities characteristic of Romanticism. Schubert's ability to convey deep emotional states through his music aligns with the emphasis on mood and atmosphere mentioned in the quote.

One of the key aspects of Schubert's music that aligns with Romanticism is his profound exploration of human emotions. His compositions often delve into themes of love, longing, nature, and the human condition. Schubert's lieder, in particular, are renowned for their ability to convey complex emotions through both music and poetry. The fusion of music and poetry in his lieder exemplifies the Romantic ideal of Gesamtkunstwerk, or the total work of art, where different artistic forms are combined to create a unified emotional experience.

Furthermore, Schubert's use of harmony, melody, and form reflects the Romantic emphasis on individual expression and innovation. His harmonies often convey a sense of yearning and melancholy, while his melodies are imbued with lyricism and emotional depth. Schubert's willingness to experiment with musical forms and structures also aligns with the Romantic rejection of strict conventions in favor of personal expression and creativity.

In addition to his musical compositions, Schubert's personal life and the societal context in which he lived also mirror the spirit of Romanticism. Schubert faced personal struggles and lived in a time of political upheaval and social change, which likely influenced the emotional depth and introspective nature of his music. The Romantic fascination with the individual's experience and the exploration of the inner self is evident in Schubert's works, making him a fitting representative of the Romantic movement in music.

In conclusion, the quote by Dietrich Dieskau encapsulates the essence of Romanticism as an artistic movement that prioritizes the evocation of mood and atmosphere. It also highlights the strong connection between Romanticism and the music of Franz Schubert, whose compositions embody the emotional depth, individual expression, and innovative spirit characteristic of the Romantic era. Schubert's ability to convey profound emotions and his willingness to push artistic boundaries align with the core principles of Romanticism, solidifying his status as a quintessential Romantic composer.