1 page, minimum 300 words using at least this citation:

Wright, C. (2013). Listening to music (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Schirmer.

During the Romantic Era, it was common for many composers to write program music. This style of music has obvious natural expressive possibilities and intentions. However, composers also chose to create absolute music in many ways: symphonies, concertos, etudes, and other works without a storytelling component. Can absolute music communicate something to audiences? If so, what are listeners supposed to receive or understand from a composer’s example of absolute music? What do you imagine drives a composer to create music in a style such as this? Include references to specific musical examples in your post.