Final answer:
The statement is false; the Industrial Revolution brought major improvements to the piano during the nineteenth century, greatly enhancing its mechanics and sound, which made it the defining instrument of Romantic music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the piano experiencing minor technical improvements during the nineteenth century is false. The Industrial Revolution brought forth significant changes in technology and manufacturing processes, leading to major improvements in many instruments, including the piano. The developments in piano mechanics allowed it to become the emblematic instrument of Romantic music, replacing the harpsichord as the leading keyboard instrument. These advancements made it possible for pianos to be played more easily, to have a greater dynamic range, and to produce a fuller, more resonant sound. As such, these were not just minor technical improvements, but pivotal transformations that enhanced the capability and range of the piano, influencing the trajectory of Western music during the Romantic period and beyond.