Instrumental music developed into program music , a genre based on poetic or extramusical subjects that tell a story. Many varieties and branches of program music also developed. The program symphony is an orchestral work divided into movements. Because compositions were developed on a larger scale than in past eras, composers tended to write fewer symphonies. Another element of the Romantic era is nationalism in music, making use of symbolism, history, folk songs and themes from one's own country, and exotic elements.
Composers strove to achieve musical independence in Italy, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Norway.
Combining music and literature, novels as well as political and historical subjects served as a foundation for operatic storylines. Composers were concerned with the extramusical meanings of operas. Romantic opera reflected national styles in France, Germany, and Italy, where opera in this era was first centered. In Paris, there was grand opera , based on historical storylines and created for nonroyalty. This type is characteristically melodic and uses Romantic subjects as themes.