Explanation: The modern piano was still evolving in the nineteenth century. Leather hammers were replaced with wooden ones for increased strength. High and low notes were added to the keyboard. These innovations had a profound impact on new compositions. The modern piano’s capabilities for dynamic changes and note range gave composers a more colorful palette for “painting” their musical ideas.
Much of the piano music composed in the nineteenth century was intended to be played in the home. Two of the era’s most noted composers of piano music, Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, composed with the home pianist in mind. However, they also wrote large-scale works intended for concert halls.
