Melody: phrases of varying lengths, lyrical melodies, the use of chromaticism, varied emotive ideas within a movement.

Rhythm: great flexibility in tempo and change of metre. Rubato introduced.

Harmony: expanded use of chords and progressions, modulations to distant keys, contrasts of major and minor.

Dynamics: detailed score notation of dynamic intensities required.

Timbre: an expanded orchestra with new instruments added and brass and woodwind sections enlarged. Rich colourful orchestration. Technical and mechanical advances of the piano and orchestral instruments influenced compositions, and thus the rise of the virtuoso performer.

Musical forms - stylised dances, intermezzo, ballade, lieder, symphonic poem, programme music, music-drama.