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The Concerto 01
A soloist with outstanding ability is called a virtuoso.

The Concerto 01

Concertos spotlight a soloist against an orchestra. In this KS3 Music quiz, explore how movements, themes, and contrast help the solo part stand out in style and structure.

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(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

In many Classical concertos, the first movement uses a form linked to sonata form, with a clear opening by the orchestra.

In KS3 Music, the concerto is a key example of contrast in texture and dynamics. You listen for the relationship between soloist and ensemble, how ideas return, and how composers create a musical “conversation”.

  • Soloist: The main featured performer, usually playing or singing the leading part.
  • Orchestra: A large group of instruments playing together, often supporting and responding to the soloist.
  • Cadenza: A solo passage, often near the end of a movement, where the soloist shows skill and musical ideas.
What is a concerto in music?

A concerto is a piece of music written for a soloist and an orchestra or ensemble. The solo part is designed to stand out, with the group providing support, contrast, and shared themes.

What is the difference between a concerto and a symphony?

A concerto features a soloist with an accompanying orchestra, while a symphony is written for the full orchestra without a single featured solo performer. Both are often in several movements.

How can you recognise a concerto when listening?

You can recognise a concerto by listening for a clear solo part that takes the lead, with the orchestra responding or accompanying. The music often alternates between full ensemble sections and solo passages.

1 .
What best describes a concerto?
A 3-movement work with accompanied solo instrument
A special type of concert with light effects
An Italian opera
All of the above
The solo instrument is usually a violin, a piano or a cello
2 .
What accompanies the solo instrument in concertos?
A 4-part SATB ensemble
A backing rock group
An orchestra
None of the above
A concerto is written for the whole orchestra
3 .
What is a concerto grosso?
A large scale concerto with a small group of soloists
A modern rock ballad
A type of polyphonic music
A type of slow movement
Strictly speaking, a form of baroque music in which the musical line is passed between a small group of soloists and the full orchestra
4 .
When was the 'baroque' era?
1600 - 1750 AD
1800 - 1918 AD
2000+ AD
None of the above
The baroque era followed the renaissance and was in turn followed by the romantic era
5 .
What does 'tutti' mean?
Loud
Play/sing together
Fast
All of the above
Think of the ice-cream flavour, tutti frutti - it means 'all (together) fruits' in Italian
6 .
A soloist with outstanding ability is called a .......
complete show off!
conductor
virtuoso
None of the above
Virtuoso has its origin in the Latin word 'virtus', which means 'virtue', 'excellence' or 'skill'
7 .
What is a cadenza?
A slow movement in a concerto
A slow movement in a symphony
A type of 8-bar guitar solo in a song
Generally a technical passage played by soloists
It's usually played in a 'free' rhythmic style and normally requires great technical ability to play correctly
8 .
What does sinfonia concertante mean?
A concert with a concerto in the programme
A concert with a symphony in the programme
Essentially a mixture of symphony and concerto genres
None of the above
You can see both words in sinfonia concertante - sinfonia (symphony) concertante (concerto)
9 .
A concerto is often made up of how many movements?
1
2
3
None of the above
It'd be wise to draw up a list of movements for concertos, symphonies etc., as they do differ and you should know how many feature in different types of music!
10 .
Can a concerto have more than one solo instrument?
No
Yes
Yes - but only if the other instruments are percussive
Yes - but only if the other soloist is a pianist
Of course! Otherwise, what's a concerto grosso?!
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Music

Author:  Thomas Daish (Keyboard & Woodwind Specialist, Music Teacher & Quiz Writer)

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