Concertino

Definition

A concertino is a small group of solo instruments within a concerto grosso that contrasts with the larger orchestral group, known as the ripieno. This term plays a crucial role in the structure of both the concerto grosso and the solo concerto, highlighting the interaction between the soloists and the orchestra. The concertino typically features virtuosic passages and showcases individual players, which enhances the overall texture and drama of the musical work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concertino usually consists of two to four solo instruments, allowing for rich dialogue between the soloists and the orchestra.
2. In the Baroque period, composers like Vivaldi and Corelli used the concertino to create a dynamic contrast in their compositions.
3. The interplay between concertino and ripieno often involves call-and-response techniques, where soloists and the orchestra alternately play passages.
4. The structure of a typical concerto grosso features multiple movements, often beginning with an energetic fast movement followed by a slow section and concluding with a lively finale.
5. The concept of the concertino laid the groundwork for the evolution of the solo concerto, where focus shifted entirely to a single solo instrument.

Review Questions

• How does the concertino function within the overall structure of a concerto grosso?
  • The concertino serves as a contrasting element within the concerto grosso, providing a small group of solo instruments that interact with the larger ripieno. This relationship enhances the musical dialogue by showcasing individual players' virtuosity against the fuller sound of the orchestra. The dynamic exchange between these two groups creates interest and variety, helping to define the overall structure and thematic development throughout the piece.
• Discuss how composers like Bach utilized the concept of concertino in their orchestral suites and concertos.
  • Composers such as Bach employed the concertino to highlight specific instrumental groups or soloists within his orchestral works. By crafting intricate parts for these smaller ensembles, Bach could showcase their technical capabilities while weaving them into broader orchestrations. The balance between concertino and ripieno is essential for creating contrast and depth, which adds complexity to Bach's music and emphasizes his innovative approach to orchestration during the late Baroque period.
• Evaluate how the concept of concertino influenced later musical developments beyond the Baroque era, particularly in relation to its innovations.
  • The concept of concertino significantly impacted later musical styles by laying foundational ideas for more developed forms like the classical concerto. Its emphasis on contrast and dialogue between smaller groups and larger orchestras informed composers in subsequent periods, encouraging innovations in form and orchestration. As composers transitioned into Romanticism and beyond, they expanded on these ideas by exploring more complex relationships among instrumental groups, ultimately leading to richer textures and greater emotional expression in orchestral music.

Related terms

Concerto Grosso: A form of orchestral music from the Baroque period that contrasts a small group of solo instruments (concertino) with a larger ensemble (ripieno).

Ripieno: The larger orchestral group in a concerto grosso that provides harmonic support and contrasts with the concertino.

Solo Concerto: A composition for a single solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra, emphasizing the virtuosic capabilities of the soloist.