Final answer:
The piano trio has been popular since the nineteenth century, especially during the Romantic era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The piano trio has been a popular instrument since the middle of the nineteenth century. The Romantic era, which spans the nineteenth and early twentieth century, saw the rise of the piano trio as a favored ensemble. Composers during this time, such as Beethoven and Schubert, wrote numerous piano trios that became staples of the repertoire.