In German Romantic opera, many pieces were often based on German legends and folklore, with the mystery of nature and supernatural forces serving to heighten dramatic expression as well as truths human and other powers. For special effects melodrama or instrumentally accompanied speech was used, sometimes an independent form. Two other features of musical drama are manifested to some extent in German romantic opera. However the orchestra became more important and became a tool for creating atmospheres, moods and even fragments of realism