Concerto grosso

Concerto grosso is a type of music from baroque era. It is played by an orchestra and contains several movements. Like other baroque music, the sound of harpsichord can still be heard. At some point during the music, a number of soloist play difficult melody line, clearly showing the technical skill of the soloist.

The movements contrast in tempo and character. The three movements are usually in this order, fast, slow, fast. The opening movement is usually vigourous and determined, clearly showing the contrast between the soloist and the orchestra. The slow movement in the middle, is quieter than the first often lyrical and intimate. Thet last movement is carefree and sometimes dancelike.

The first and last movements are often based on the ritornello[?] form. The tutti will begin with the ritornello theme. This theme, always played by the tutti will return at different points throughout the movement, mostly in fragments. Only at the end of the movement does the complete ritornello return.

In between these ritornello sections, there are short solo sections played by the soloists. In comparison with the ritornellos the solo passages are made up of fresh melodic ideas and have softer dynamics.