Which of these is not true for harmony in the Romantic period?

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Prepare for the University of Central Florida MUL2010 Enjoyment of Music Exam 3. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get ready to succeed on your music exam!

In the context of the Romantic period, harmony underwent significant transformation, reflecting the emotional depth and expressive intensity that characterize the music of this time. The statement regarding the focus on stability and predictability in harmony does not align with the defining features of the era. Instead, during the Romantic period, composers often utilized harmony that was fluid and constantly changing. This approach allowed for richer emotional expression and greater tension within the music.

Romantic harmony frequently incorporated more complex chord structures and chromaticism, which added depth and color, moving away from the simpler, more stable harmonic frameworks that were typical in earlier periods like the Classical era. The use of chromaticism, for instance, introduced dissonance that often required resolution, but not necessarily toward stable and predictable outcomes. Instead, it was employed to create a sense of longing or unresolved tension, contributing to the overall emotional landscape of the music.

Thus, the focus on instability and unpredictability in harmony during the Romantic period stands in contrast to the notion of harmony being stable and predictable, making that particular statement incorrect.