Concerto

In classical music, the word concerto (pl. concerti; from the Latin concertus, from certare, to strive) is a label for a piece in which a small musical group and a large musical group are given distinct roles, with the smaller group to the fore. The most common kind of concerto pairs a solo instrument with a full orchestra. The term also implies the form of a piece as most concerti follow sonata form, typically found with three movements.

Related Topics:
Classical music - Latin - Solo - Orchestra - Sonata form - Movement

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The term apparently arose in the beginning of the 17th century, and as its etymology suggests, came to describe chiefly compositions which bring unequal instrumental or vocal forces into opposition.

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