During the shift from Baroque to Classical, which change occurred in the orchestra's string section?

• A. Woodwinds became the dominant section
• B. Violins became the dominant string section with lower strings supporting in background
• C. Brass instruments expanded in the ensemble
• D. Percussion gained more prominence

Answer: (B)

During the shift from Baroque to Classical, the string section moves toward a clearer, more directed role in the orchestra: the violin family becomes the main melodic force, while the lower strings provide steady harmonic and bass support. In Baroque music, textures were often dense and polyphonic with the continuo supplying a big part of the harmonic foundation. In the Classical period, composers favored balanced textures where the first violin carried the principal tunes and the second violin, viola, cello, and bass filled in underneath to support and ground those melodies. This change makes the violins the dominant string group, with lower strings anchoring the harmony and rhythm.