When were purely instrumental ballades prominently composed?

The purely instrumental ballade is prominently associated with the Romantic era, particularly in the middle of the 19th century. This period saw composers like Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann exploring the form and integrating narrative elements and dramatic expression into their works. The ballade format allowed for a single-movement piece that could convey a story or an emotional journey, embracing the deeply expressive qualities of the Romantic style.

In the middle of the 19th century, there was a significant interest in programmatic music, where the music was designed to evoke specific imagery or emotions without the use of lyrics. This focus aligns well with the nature of instrumental ballades composed during this time, emphasizing the lyrical and expressively narrative characteristics that define the genre. Thus, this time period is recognized for its contributions to the development and popularity of the instrumental ballade form.