study of the instrumentation and performance practice of 18th century instrumental music
reveals the beginning of the modern symphonic orchestra as well as symphonic form. The
string section had already evolved to its modern configuration during the middle to late
Baroque. Except for the string bass, the violin family permanently replaced the viol family as the
instrument of choice. Violin-making reached its zenith with the work of Stradivarius, and the
concave bow replaced the convex allowing performers greater facility on the instrument.