It is important to understand why the piece Harold in Italy: movement III can be considered a romantic piece. Below are reasons why it can be considered romantic. You may also want to look at The Romantic Era.
- The music is inspired by non-musical material being a poem by Byron.
- It is the introduction to program music.
- Expresses the wider range of feelings and emotions than what Baroque and Classical does.
- Orchestra developed and expanded especially in the brass and percussion sections.
- Unusual instruments play the melody such as the Viola part that was meant to be for a virtuoso but was claimed to not be difficult enough for a virtuoso player.
- Melody lines are more lyrical (cantabile).
- Use of extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, diminished 7ths and augmented 6ths).
- The harmony is more chromatic and discordant (dissonant). This was used to portray strong emotions and feelings.
- Rise of the virtuoso player. Rise of nationalism.
- The use of saltarello rhythms.
- Dynamics are more strong and varied.
- There is a wide contrast in keys.
- There is more freedom for the composer in the structure and form. For example, Harold in Italy can be seen as a symphony and a concerto as it contains features of both.
