Key Terms
Concerto: Genre of instrumental music for a soloist (or small group of soloists) and larger ensemble (orchestra). If there is only one soloist, the concerto is called a concerto or solo concerto. If there is a small group of soloists, the concerto is called a concerto grosso. Music for the larger ensemble alternates with passages for the soloist(s); this music is called the ritornello. The form of a movement (self-contained section of a larger musical structure, such as a concerto), that follows this pattern of alternating passages for orchestra and soloist is called ritornello form. The orchestra begins. Concertos typically have three movements that are distinguished in several ways, the most recognizable is tempo: fast-slow-fast.
Listening
Antonio Vivaldi, “Autumn” from The Four Seasons (concerto or solo concerto)
Not typical for most concertos, this concerto has an accompanying poem, most likely written by Vivaldi. This text of the poem appears as a subtitle in this video: Recording performed on original instruments by the Early Music Ensemble Voices of Music. [Listen on YouTube]
IN YOUR DISCUSSION POST: Describe the musical attributes of each movement of this concerto. In other words, how can you differentiate one movement from the other two? Be sure to use musical terminology as precisely as possible.
J. S. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, I (concerto grosso)
The solo group in this concerto grosso consists of a violin, recorder, oboe, and trumpet.
The first movement of this concerto begins at 0:16 and ends at 5:12: Performed by Freiburger Barockorchester. [Listen on YouTube]
IN YOUR DISCUSSION POST: Comment on the interaction between the soloists (individually or as a group) and the larger ensemble. How does Bach highlight the soloists musically?
