Concerto grosso
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Definition
A concerto grosso is an important form of music which developed throughout the Baroque period. It has 3 main elements:
- Concertino - describes the small group of soloists
- Ripieno - describes the larger ensemble group
- Basso continuo - describes the bass line and harmony.
In a concerto grosso, the small group of soloists (concertino) are combined and contrasted with the ensemble (ripieno).
Examples
BBC Bitesize website Information and highlighted examples of a Concerto Grosso.
This example shows a graphic score which makes it possible to follow the different musical lines and identify the differences between each of the component Concerto grosso parts.
Another example of a Concerto Grosso by Arcangelo Corelli.
A live performance of a Concerto Grosso.
An example of a Concerto grosso RV565 by Vivaldi.
Related concepts
- Basso continuo (H)
- Concertino (H)
- Ripieno (H)