Concerto

Definition

A concerto is a musical composition typically for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra, highlighting the contrast between the individual and the ensemble. This form became particularly popular during the transition from Baroque to Classical music, evolving in structure and style while reflecting changes in public performance and music criticism. The concerto serves as a bridge between the performer’s expression and the orchestra’s collective sound, showcasing the virtuosity of the soloist.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concerto form evolved from earlier Baroque concertos, where the ritornello structure was commonly used to frame the soloist's passages.
2. By the Classical period, concertos became more structured, often following a three-movement format: fast-slow-fast, emphasizing the dialogue between soloist and orchestra.
3. The rise of public concerts in the 18th century allowed concertos to reach wider audiences, influencing composers to create works that were more accessible and engaging.
4. Composers like Mozart and Beethoven significantly shaped the concerto genre by introducing new harmonic language and emotional depth, setting standards for future concertos.
5. Mendelssohn's concertos exhibit Romantic characteristics while maintaining Classical clarity, blending lyricism with technical demands on the soloist.

Review Questions

• How did the evolution of the concerto reflect changes in musical styles from the Baroque to Classical period?
  • The evolution of the concerto from the Baroque to Classical period marked a significant shift in musical style. During the Baroque era, concertos often relied on a ritornello structure that emphasized contrast between orchestral and solo passages. In contrast, Classical concertos became more structured with a clear three-movement format that highlighted dialogue between soloist and orchestra. This transformation reflects broader changes in musical aesthetics towards clarity, balance, and expressiveness.
• Discuss how public concerts influenced the development of the concerto form during the 18th century.
  • The rise of public concerts in the 18th century played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the concerto form. As composers began to cater to wider audiences, they crafted works that were not only technically demanding but also engaging and entertaining. This shift led to concertos becoming more accessible to general listeners, prompting composers to innovate with more expressive melodies and dynamic contrasts that resonated with audience expectations.
• Evaluate Mendelssohn's contributions to the concerto form in relation to his overall symphonic style.
  • Mendelssohn made significant contributions to the concerto form by blending Classical elements with Romantic expressiveness, reflecting his broader symphonic style. His concertos, particularly for piano and violin, showcase lyrical melodies that resonate emotionally while maintaining structural clarity typical of Classical music. By integrating virtuosic passages for soloists with rich orchestral textures, Mendelssohn created concertos that captured both technical brilliance and heartfelt expression, influencing future generations of composers.

Related terms

Ritornello:

A recurring thematic section often used in concertos, especially during the Baroque period, which frames the contrasting episodes featuring the soloist.

Orchestration:

The arrangement of music for instruments, which is crucial in a concerto for balancing the soloist with the orchestral parts.

Cadence: A moment in a concerto where the soloist plays a brilliant flourish or passage, often allowing for improvisation, highlighting their skill.