Romantic composers, the 1810 generation
"The 1810 generation" witnessed the birth of four great romantic composers: Chopin (1810-1849), Liszt (1811-1886), Schumann (1810-1856) and Mendelssohn (1809-1847). Heirs to Beethoven for some, to Berlioz for others, or virtuoso musicians, these four composers were inspired by the major themes of romantic literature (in the works of Goethe, Shakespeare, Lord Byron...). They were often associated with literary and artistic circles and contributed to elevating what in the 18th century was still considered a traditional practice, to a recognized form of art. Music is still the most effective of all art forms for expressing romantic ideas. Music leaves a physical impact and reflects the unrestrained emotions of the composer, whose creativity, in theory, is almost unlimited.