Final answer:
Mozart preferred the fortepiano, an instrument that offered greater dynamic and expressive capabilities than the harpsichord, especially during the period of advancements in piano mechanics brought on by the Industrial Revolution, which aided in the transition to the Romantic era of music.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mozart preferred the fortepiano, an early version of the piano, over other keyboard instruments like the harpsichord. This preference was likely because the fortepiano allowed for a wider range of dynamics and expressive possibilities, enhancing Mozart's musical innovations.
During the Industrial Revolution, there were significant advancements in musical instrument construction, which improved the mechanics of pianos substantially, making them easier to play with a more robust and better-tuned sound. These improvements in the piano mechanics led to the instrument's dominance in the Romantic era of music and contributed to the shift away from the harpsichord, further aligning with Mozart's preferences for more expressive instruments.