What Is A Concerto?

Frequently Played And Often Mistaken For A Symphony

by Courtney Oliver


Ah, the Concerto. You see one on nearly every classical masterworks program. In fact, it is one of the highlights of our Carefree concert on March 5, 2022. But, what exactly does the word tell you about the music you'll hear?

First, a little history; originally, the Italian word simply meant concert - the act of doing something together - musically, the act of playing as a group. Early composers used "Concerto" as a name for all their pieces. Over the long history of music, this term evolved to describe a specific music composition. Today, the word applies to music composition for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra.

If you read our last blog, you’re a bit familiar with what a "Symphony" is as a composition. (Spoiler alert: it's a long, large orchestral piece with three or four movements). Similarly, the most-performed type of concerto is three movements or sections. It stands out from a symphony because it always features a part for a soloist. A concerto is also a musical study in contrast. Popularized in the Baroque era and refined by Mozart, Haydn, and other Classical-era composers, the concerto is essentially a conversation between soloist and orchestra in three movements. Different textures, themes, and emotions are explored, and in a way, it's much like a good play or movie plot. 

Act 1: First Movement (I. Allegro) 
The longest, most complex of all the parts and establishes two melodies that develop throughout the movement. Like any good drama, the first movement introduces the characters, exposes the conflict, and sets up the entire story. You know you're nearing Act 2 when the soloist reaches the "cadenza" (read: soliloquy) - an extended solo performed without the orchestra. It's the hero's time to shine.

Act 2: Second Movement (II. Adagio) 
The second movement is where the romance happens - lush, lyrical, and frequently swoon-worthy. The characters in our story become even more real, and it's our soloist's/hero's opportunity to show their true potential. Under the pressure of the passage's complexity, their skill and grace can be utterly beautiful and inspiring to all. 

Act 3: Second Movement (III. Allegro) 
The third movement is the action sequence - it's fast, loud, and an emotional high. Plus, it wouldn't be a proper finale if the hero didn't get one more moment in the solo spotlight.  

Concertos are typically very technically challenging and require extra expression. For this reason, most soloists' repertoires are packed with concertos as they allow them to show off their superb skills. Soloists also get the prime spot on the stage. Front and center to be seen and heard most clearly - and near the podium so the conductor can lead the accompanying orchestra based on the soloist's tempo. 

Sometimes, as with our 2021 Glorious Fanfare concert, principal or lead, orchestra members will perform the solo. This March 2022, Concertmaster Callie Brennan will delight us with a performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 - perhaps one of the composer's most recognizable concertos - and exceptionally joyful and refreshing. Typically though, concertos allow the Philharmonic to present a world-class musician. We've been pretty fortunate to welcome performers such as; clarinetist Anthony McGill, guitarist Pepe Romero; trumpet player Jens Lindemann; percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, and many more throughout our 90+ year history.


Watch A Concerto Online

See A Concerto In-Person

 
 

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