European composers, musicians and instrument makers had always moved about Europe, working for different cities or courts. In the early 19th century, changes in European society and culture accelerated the process. After 1830, the music of the Romantic period swept Europe and Paris, its largest and richest city, became the capital of the new music. Composers like Chopin (1810-49), Liszt (1811-86) and the operas of Meyerbeer (1791-1864), Bellini (1801-35) and Rossini (1792-1868), found receptive audiences in its salons and opera houses.

Much Romantic music demanded great virtuosity (skill) from its players. Virtuosi, like the Italian violinist Paganini (1782-1840) toured Europe performing to large and enthusiastic audiences. Liszt, who was born in Hungary but moved to Paris with his family in 1823, was an experienced touring virtuoso by the age of 16.

Musical instrument makers also responded to the new music, inventing new instruments like the tuba and saxophone, and developing others to suit the expressive and dramatic content of Romantic music. Wind and keyboard instruments underwent important changes. Paris was home to many instrument makers like the Erard family (pianos and harps) and the Raoux family (horns), whose influence was Europe-wide.