1. Piano (fortepiano):
- The piano rapidly rose to prominence as the leading solo instrument in the Classical era.
- It offered expressive potential with dynamic variation and subtle articulation.
2. Violin:
- The violin was a prominent choice for sonatas, capable of producing a wide range of melodies, harmonies, and virtuoso techniques.
- It blended well with other instruments, such as the piano, in classical sonatas.
3. Cello:
- The cello was often featured as a solo instrument in sonatas.
- Its rich, warm tone complemented the piano and provided the foundation for harmonic structure.
4. Harpsichord:
- Before the piano's rise, the harpsichord was widely used in Classical sonata.
- It had a distinct plucking mechanism and was renowned for its precision and crisp articulation.
5. Flute:
- The flute's delicate and agile nature made it a popular choice for sonatas.
- It excelled in fast passages, and its ethereal tone brought a different timbral quality to the music.
6. Clarinet:
- The clarinet's expressive potential and wide range made it a sought-after instrument for sonatas.
- Its rich and mellow tone offered both lyrical and virtuoso possibilities.
7. Oboe:
- The oboe's distinct timbre and penetrating sound brought a contrasting color to sonatas.
- Its expressive capabilities allowed for the rendering of delicate melodies and virtuosic passages.
These instruments represented the core of instrumentation for classical sonatas, with the piano gradually superseding the harpsichord as the primary keyboard instrument. The choice of instruments also varied depending on the musical style, composer's preference, and the availability of instrumentalists during that period.