Concerto Form

REPORTED BY: BMMP 3-1 MUSIC REPERTOIRE 104

What is a concerto?

A concerto is a piece of classical music that

features a soloist accompanied by an orchestra
(sometimes, a small ensemble).
 The concerto emerged during the Baroque era
(1600-1750) in Europe and gained popularity
during the Classical era (1750-1820).
Sonata form
Example of a concerto form
What makes concertos interesting?

 Concerto form allows for a dynamic interplay between the soloist(s) and
orchestra, with the soloist(s) often showcasing their technical virtuosity and
expressive capabilities while the orchestra provides a rich harmonic and rhythmic
background.
 Inventive orchestration: A skilled composer can use the orchestra to enhance the
soloist's playing, creating a rich and varied sonic landscape that enhances the
emotional impact of the music.
Form of a concerto

 The typical concerto is in three movements, or

sections: a fast movement in Sonata form, a slow
and lyrical movement, and then another fast
movement.
 First Movement:
- usually the longest and most involved
- will either start with an orchestral introduction or let the soloist
show off right away
- the soloist will play two contrasting themes, a feature of a
standard Sonata form
- the soloist will play a “cadenza” or an extended solo passage
without the orchestra, near the end of the first movement.
 Second Movement:
- slow and lyrical movement
- contrasts the other movements
- allows the soloist to show their expressive potential and the
beauty of their playing
 Third Movement:
- fast
- lets the soloist show off one last time
- often features a section that the music returns to
- others called the third movement as the Rondo
Types of Concertos:

 Solo Concerto
- with one instrument set against the orchestra.
 Double Concerto
- two soloists
 Triple Concertp
-triple soloists
 Concerto Grosso
- with a small group of soloists and orchestra.
Sample of Guitar Concertos:
 Joaquin Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oxH-7VklBI
 Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Concerto No.1 in D, Op.99 for Guitar
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1OGdfcLEGc
 Heitor Villa-Lobos: Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1yz2mHXrbM
 Manuel Maria Ponce: Concierto del Sur
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nn7HA7X8Os
 Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for Lute and Strings in D Major RV93
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-UK719L9I
 Yngwie Malmsteen: Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mylvwhy63bk
THANK YOU!