1. Soloists soon began to develop reputations for their virtuosity. Although the age of virtuosos who could support themselves in a solo performing career was still a number of years away, the public gave more and more attention to these individuals. Beethoven became renowned for his piano virtuosity when he first arrived in Vienna. His piano concertos, written for himself, required formidable technique. Many of Beethoven’s contemporaries could not meet these concertos’ demands.
2. Musical amateurs became increasingly active during the classical era. Many of the aristocrats who were musical patrons were also performers and commissioned works that they could play. Composers became aware of their interest and often composed works with the amateur in mind, making them less technically demanding.