2. The Rise of Nationalism: The 19th century witnessed a surge in nationalistic sentiments across Europe, which manifested itself in various cultural and artistic movements, including music. Composers drew inspiration from their national heritage, incorporating folk melodies, rhythms, and themes into their compositions. This led to the development of distinct national styles of music, such as Russian music influenced by folk traditions, German music rooted in Romanticism, and French music characterized by its elegance and refinement. The emphasis on national identity and cultural heritage contributed significantly to the enrichment and diversification of Western classical music.