Common Sense Evaluation

Hundreds of years later, I was divided
And two new keys to me were provided

Then in 1760, and that’s forty years later
Three keys were added by Florio, Gedney, and Potter

Around the 80’s of the century mentioned
I was used by Mozart and Haydn

Over the years, new keys were gained
In the 1830’s, Beethoven used me to entertain

Near the end of the 1800’s, or the 19th century
I was used by Brahms, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky

Now, modern renditions are made of me
Without my holes, I wouldn’t be

When I’m new, I’m remarkably plain,
But after first use, I’m never the same,
People clean me a lot, but I’m never like new,
The changes come off, but leave residue.

You will have seen me in your early years,
I’m definitely a tool for the eyes, not the ears,
But there is a sound that I can make,
To cause the strongest man to quake.

I feel I should give more of a clue,
But I don’t want to make it too easy for you.

I may have bored you, or enthralled,
But can you tell me what I’m called?
 

Four leaders have we, all with a bride;
Each has a son who has great pride.

We also have servants who make funny gestures;
But they are hardly used, as they often pester.

The peasants are at the bottom of the line;
Although they outnumber us, they haven’t a right mind.