As an expert in the field of music history, I am delighted to delve into the fascinating world of musical instruments during the Romantic period, a time of great emotional expression and artistic innovation that spanned from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. The Romantic era was characterized by a shift towards more personal and expressive music, and this was reflected in the variety and use of instruments.

### Woodwinds
The woodwind family was crucial in Romantic music, providing a rich palette of colors and timbres. The bassoon and oboe were prominent, offering a warm and expressive sound that was well-suited to the lyrical and narrative qualities of Romantic compositions. The flute was also widely used, with its bright and agile tone, often used for virtuosic passages and ethereal melodies. The clarinet, with its versatile and rich tone, became increasingly popular, especially in the later part of the Romantic period.

### Brass
The brass section was also expanded during the Romantic period. The French horn was a favorite of composers for its haunting and pastoral sound, often used to evoke a sense of longing or to depict nature. The trumpet and trombone provided brilliance and power, used for fanfares and triumphant moments. The tuba, though less common, was also beginning to make its presence felt, particularly in the works of Richard Wagner.

### Strings
The string section remained a cornerstone of the orchestra, with the violin, viola, cello, and double bass providing the backbone of the ensemble. Composers like Tchaikovsky and Brahms wrote intricate and emotionally charged music for strings, pushing the boundaries of technique and expression.

### Percussion
The percussion section saw significant growth and diversification. The bass drum and side drum were indeed popular, providing rhythmic drive and dramatic impact. Other percussion instruments such as xylophones, celestas, gongs, cymbals, castanets, harps, bells, triangles, and chimes added a new level of color and texture to the orchestra. These instruments were used to create exotic and atmospheric effects, as well as to underscore the emotional intensity of the music.

### Keyboard
The piano was the king of the keyboard instruments during the Romantic period. It was a central instrument for both performance and composition. The development of the pianoforte into the modern piano allowed for a greater dynamic range and expressive capabilities. Composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann wrote music that showcased the piano's ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions.

### Harp
The harp was another instrument that gained prominence during the Romantic period. Its delicate and otherworldly sound was often used to create a sense of enchantment or to symbolize the divine.

### Wind Instruments
In addition to the woodwinds mentioned, other wind instruments like the serenade, cor anglais (English horn), and saxophone, although not as common, were also used to add unique colors to the orchestra.

### Summary
In summary, the Romantic period was a time of great diversity and innovation in the use of musical instruments. Composers experimented with new sounds and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music. The instruments of the Romantic period, with their expanded range and expressive capabilities, allowed composers to create music that was deeply personal, emotionally charged, and richly textured.

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Most commonly used woodwinds from the Romantic Period were the bassoons, oboes, flutes, and clarinets. Bass and side drums begin to become most popular. Other influential percussion instruments include: xylophones, celestas, gongs, cymbals, castanets, harps, bells, triangles, and chimes.Apr 19, 2012read more >>