What is a defining characteristic of Romantic music?

Romantic music is distinguished by its extensive use of dissonance and chromaticism, which serve to express deep emotions and individualism, key themes of the Romantic era. Composers from this period sought to explore complex harmonic structures that went beyond traditional tonalities, reflecting the emotional intensity of their music. The use of chromaticism allows for greater freedom in melodic and harmonic expression, often resulting in music that conveys a wide range of human experiences and sentiments.

This heightened emotional expression is also evident in the use of dissonance, where intervals that create tension are incorporated to enhance the narrative quality of the music. Composers like Wagner and Liszt pushed the boundaries of harmonic language, embracing these elements to evoke emotional responses from the listener.

In contrast, the other options represent characteristics of different music styles. For instance, the exclusive use of sacred texts refers more to earlier musical forms like Renaissance and early Baroque music. Strict adherence to classical forms is more representative of the Classical period, where structure and form played a central role. Emphasis on dynamic consistency does not capture the dramatic contrasts and varied dynamics typical of Romantic music, where composers employed a plethora of dynamic shifts to enhance expressiveness and impact. Therefore, the use of dissonance