What musical period used the bass?

Answer 1

Versions of the double bass were used in music as early as the 15th and 16th centuries. It became widely used starting in the classical period (1750 - 1820), and as the "standard" orchestra size began to grow (particularly with Beethoven' symphonies), the bass became a permanent member.

The first known concerto for bass was written during the Classical period by Haydn and is presumed lost. Other classical composers who wrote concerti for double bass were Vanhal, Dittersdorf, Dragonetti, Capuzzi (more of a beginner/intermediate work, it's the one everyone learns first), Dall'Occa, and Sperger. Many of these composers were bassists themselves, and wrote music to fit their own respective styles and abilities, thus creating a very unique repertoire of music often referred to as the "golden age of double bass." Mozart's concert aria "Per questo Bella mano" as well as Beethoven's Pastorale and Chorale symphonies are examples of other works that contain prominent passages for the bass.

The instrument's popularity continued into the Romantic era (dated from mid 1800s to the turn of the century or perhaps a decade or two later). Composer/bassists Koussevitsky and Bottessini each wrote an important concerto for double bass as well as numerous solo pieces. Examples of orchestral works from the period that feature the instrument are Mahler's first symphony, Prokofiev's Kije suite, and Schubert's "Unfinished" symphony. Brahms, Strauss, and Camille Saint-Saens also featured the instrument in their music.

The only areas in these time periods that significantly lack the presence of the double bass are the chamber Music Genres. There are no standard chamber groups that include the bass. Plenty of music has been written for double bass with other instruments particularly in the last several decades (do some research and find something new!) but not all of it would be considered standard repertoire.