Why were bass solos so popular in the 18th century?!?

Links to research for this video: The Viennese Violone: The Development, Blossoming, and Decline of a Musical Instrument in 18th Century Vienna by William Christopher Leverenz the incredible Viennese Tuning Channel from Korneel Le Compte be sure to check out Korneel’s great book Meta Hodos as well: INTERNATIONAL J.M. SPERGER COMPETITION for Double Bass Joelle Morton’s historical double bass site Gustavo Mazon-Finessi - Concerto for Double Bass in Viennese tuning, Mov. I, by Johann Baptist Vanhal Per questa with Dean Ferrell singing and playing Toscanini Beethoven 5