piano music of the romantic period frequently relies on the use of the

a. staccato
b. reed
c. manuals
d. pedals

i think the answer is d. pedals

I agree.

Unless there is a piano in the composition, where is the pedal?

To find the answer to this question, we need some basic knowledge about the characteristics of piano music during the Romantic period.

The Romantic period in music spanned roughly from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. It was a time when composers expressed intense emotions and elevated individuality through their compositions. The piano became a popular instrument during this period, and composers explored its full potential.

Now let's examine the options provided in the question:

a. Staccato: Staccato is a musical term indicating that the notes are played in a short and detached manner. While staccato can be used in piano music of any period, it is not a defining characteristic specifically associated with the Romantic period.

b. Reed: A reed is not relevant to the piano as it is a part of instruments like the woodwind family (such as clarinet or saxophone) which use a mouthpiece with a vibrating reed.

c. Manuals: Manuals typically refer to the keyboards of an organ, not the piano. Therefore, it is not suitable for this question.

d. Pedals: The correct answer is d. pedals. Piano music of the Romantic period often relies heavily on the use of pedals. The piano has two or three pedals, with the most commonly used being the damper pedal (also known as the sustain pedal). This pedal allows the pianist to sustain or prolong the sound of the piano by lifting the dampers from the strings, creating a rich, resonant sound. Composers of the Romantic period frequently utilized the pedal to achieve more expressive and dramatic effects in their compositions.

In conclusion, the correct answer is d. pedals.