How did the rise of professional concert artists lead to the rise of professional music critics?

The rise of the professional concert artist in the 19th century was a primary factor in the emergence of the professional music critic. As concert activity expanded significantly and performers gained international reputations, the public and the music industry became increasingly focused on the quality and nature of these performances.1

This shift created a demand for professional commentary to guide audiences and evaluate the technical and interpretative skills of virtuosos. Because the box-office success of artists and the stability of management often relied on public reception, critical notices became essential for securing future work. Consequently, newspapers and periodicals began to institutionalize the role of the critic to report on these musical events.123

Initially, these critics were often practicing musicians themselves, though this practice became less common over time. While the criticism of performance—often constrained by the need for immediate, deadline-driven reviews—became the most publicized aspect of the profession, it also established a lasting social structure where critics hold significant, if sometimes difficult to assess, influence over the careers of performing artists.12