# Chromaticism & Late Romantic Harmony, Music theory

Wagner, extended tertian chords, and the edge of tonality

By the late 19th century, composers were pushing tonality to its breaking point. This module traces the harmonic language of late Brahms, Wagner, Strauss, and Scriabin, extended tertian harmony, chromatic voice leading, and the gradual dissolution of functional harmony.

Advanced · 5 lessons · approximately 120 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Advanced Ear Training & Sight-Singing](/learn/theory/ear-training-advanced), Dictation, solfège, and reading string repertoire at sight

## What this module covers
1. **Chromatic Voice Leading**, Half-step voice motion that obscures key centers (24 min)
2. **Extended Tertian Harmony**, 9th, 11th, 13th chords and their expressive effect (24 min)
3. **Wagner-Era Chromaticism**, Tristan chord, Prelude to Lohengrin, and the dissolution of tonality (24 min)
4. **Late Romantic String Writing**, Brahms Op. 51, Strauss's Don Quixote, and Scriabin (24 min)
5. **The Breakdown of Functional Tonality**, How the 19th century led inevitably to the 20th (24 min)

## What comes next
- [Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory](/learn/theory/post-tonal), Atonality, twelve-tone technique, and pitch class sets

## Where should I start with chromaticism & late romantic harmony?
The curriculum places Advanced Ear Training & Sight-Singing before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Chromatic Voice Leading”: Half-step voice motion that obscures key centers. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the chromaticism & late romantic harmony module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 120 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with wagner, extended tertian chords, and the edge of tonality. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The chromaticism & late romantic harmony description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the music theory curriculum](/learn/theory)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/theory/chromaticism