A brief musical history of instrumental development

The Baroque era bought about a time of change in Music,

particularly when it comes to instruments. Firstly, the harpsichord
was invented, which is a previous variant on the piano (where
strings are plucked not hammered). This is not the only keyboard
instrument in the Baroque Era, however- the Organ had a lot of
music written for it, too. There was also another variant on the
harpsichord known as the Clavichord which was a cheaper version of
the harpsichord, meaning it was more commonly found in homes.
Woodwind was also used in the Baroque era, with the renaissance
flutes being developed so that they became transverse instruments.
Oboes replaced the Shawm family, and recorders were still used.
Brass was also used, though at this stage the likes of trumpets and
horns were still natural, meaning that they didnt use valves. The
Renaissance Viols were replaced by Violins which were louder and
more complex than their predecessors.
All these new instruments were used in new ensemble and
orchestral pieces, such as the Concerto (Concerto Grosso or Solo
Concerto) and in Suites (a development on the Renaissance
dances).
The Classical Era bought about another shake-up of the instruments
used. First of all, the harpsichord was replaced by the fortepiano,
and later by the pianoforte (or Piano, as we know it today). The
Clarinet was invented in the Classical era, and this added to the
woodwind section which caused the orchestra to expand (with more
violins and other stringed instruments also added to balance out the
sound). The flute, whilst still made of wood at this point, was
developed so that it had better intonation and didnt fall out of tune
as easily. Brass also expands but It isnt until towards the end of the
Classical Era that brass really to emerge.