Which instrument became a standard feature of the middle-class parlor beginning in the mid-nineteenth century?

The piano became a standard feature of the middle-class parlor beginning in the mid-nineteenth century due to several cultural and social factors. During this time, the rise of the middle class increased access to leisure activities and entertainment at home. The piano was particularly favored for its versatility; it could be used to perform a wide range of musical styles, from classical to popular songs and parlor music, which were very much in vogue during that era.

Furthermore, the development of more affordable pianos due to advances in manufacturing made this instrument accessible to families who may not have previously been able to afford one. It became a centerpiece in many homes, serving not only as a source of entertainment but also as a status symbol that reflected cultural refinement and sophistication.

Through these dynamics, the piano became synonymous with the music-making experience in the parlor, capturing the spirit of the time where home music-making was central to social life.