What happened to instruments during the classical era?
During the classical era (1750-1830), the orchestra became standardized into sections of instruments and increased in size. Adding more instruments changed the texture (or sound) of the music. The baroque period was focused on polyphonic melodies and ornamentation. The classical era, in contrast, focused on traditional harmony with memorable melodies. These melodies were often highlighted by these new instruments and ensemble combinations.
Strings
Double basses began to get their own part in compositions instead of playing the bass part with the cellos. Violins had two separate parts in music (violin 1 and violin 2).
Wind
The clarinet became a part of the woodwind section of an orchestra when Haydn used it in his compositions. He also let trumpets have their own part, instead of doubling the horns.
Fortepiano
During the classical era, the harpsichord was replaced by a new instrument called the fortepiano. It used hammers instead of quills to pluck strings and so could play louder and create dynamic change. The name fortepiano literally means loud/soft. This achievement greatly influenced classical music compositions. You can hear a lot of dynamic which is loud and soft in music during the classical era.
