The Concerto

Question 0

When was the concerto being composed

Answer 0

Late 17th century-present day

Question 1

What is a concerto

Answer 1

A concerto is a work for solo instrument accompanied by orchestra. It is usually in three movements (fast-slow-fast)

Question 2

Composed where?

Answer 2

Western Europe and America

Question 3

Main composers

Answer 3

Most composer from the Baroque period onward (e.g. Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Stravinsky)

Question 4

Key features in concerto

A cadenza

Answer 4

An unaccompanied passages for soloist, which usually comes at the end of the first movement in concertos from the Classical period onwards.

Question 5

Key features in concerto

Alternations between?

Answer 5

Solo sections (in which the soloist plays alone or with a light accompaniment) and tutti sections (for the full orchestra)

Question 6

Key features in concerto

What is virtuosic

Answer 6

Virtuosic playing, with rapid scales and arpeggios, extreme registers, large leaps and ornamentation (especially in the cadenza)

Question 7

Key features in concerto

Whats happening with the themes

Answer 7

Themes are being exchanged between the soloist and the orchestra