Classical Concerto

Overview

A concerto is a work for solo instrument (in Baroque concertos this could be a small group of soloists) and orchestra. It is usually in three movements (fast-slow-fast).

In the Classical period (1750-1820), concertos were composed for standard orchestral instruments, such as the violin, flute, clarinet and horn. Virtuoso performers would play these concertos in the grand concert halls across Europe.

Key Composers

  • Haydn
  • Mozart

Key Features

  • Alternation between solo sections (soloist alone or with a light accompaniment) and tutti sections (for the full orchestra).
  • A cadenza – unaccompanied passage for the soloist that usually comes near the end of the first movement.
  • Virtuosic playing, with rapid scales and arpeggios, extreme registers, large leaps and ornamentation (especially in the cadenza).
  • Themes being exchanged between the soloist and orchestra.
  • General features from the classical period: 
  • Balanced and clear-cut phrases that form questions and answers.
  • Homophonic or melody and accompaniment textures.
  • Gradual changes in dynamics (crescendos and diminuendos).

Test Yourself

  • How many movements does a concerto normally contain?
  • What is the term for a virtuosic, unaccompanied passage played by the soloist?
  • Whereabouts in a concerto does this usually appear?
  • Name two famous composers of Classical concertos.

Additional Links

BBC Bitesize - The Concerto



Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major (3rd movement) by Haydn

Listen out for:

  • The orchestra introduction – this sets the tempo, key and mood of the movement, and introduces the main theme.
  • The trumpet’s first entry – the orchestral accompaniment is much quieter and lighter, using fewer instruments.
  • The orchestra taking over the trumpet’s material and playing at a louder dynamic in between the trumpet’s phrases.
  • The rondo form.
  • Musical dialogue between the trumpet and the violins (around 1:22).