The Romantic Period lasted from 1825 to 1910. It was a time of great technological, scientific, and social change. In music, the Romantic era was characterized by emotion, imagination, and expression over reason and rules. Composers explored new sounds, forms of expression, and national styles. Important innovations included the song cycle and symphonic poem. Famous Romantic composers included Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Berlioz, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and others.