It sounds like you were at a concert featuring Historically Informed Performers (HIP). Wood flutes and oboes have unique timbres. They can be a problem in very large auditoriums and in smaller venues they can lack some dynamic range but have their attractions in the right settings. HIP horns and trumpets sometimes lack valves and are a b**** for the player who has to do all the work with breath control.
The harpsichord can be beautiful, especially in Bach Brandenburg #5, which I believe was on the program. It also gets lost in a large hall.
The sound stage, etc are a product of the venue and might be completely different in a different space. IMO venues matter with acoustic instruments and not so much with electrified going through a sound processor.
Modern gear is great but no system can equal a full symphony orchestra in a good hall. Our gear just attempts to create an illusion but even a seven figure system in a cathedral like home misses the boat by a mile. It might be different with pop.