concerto

[kuhn-cher-toh, kawn-cher-taw]

noun

Music.

plural

concertos, concerti 

1. a composition for one or more principal instruments, with orchestral accompaniment, now usually in symphonic form.

concerto

/ kənˈtʃɛətəʊ /

noun

1. a composition for an orchestra and one or more soloists. The classical concerto usually consisted of several movements, and often a cadenza See also sonata symphony

2. another word for ripieno

concerto

1. A piece of instrumental music written for one or more soloists and an orchestra.

Word History and Origins

Origin of concerto¹

1720–30; < Italian, derivative of concertare; concert (v.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of concerto¹

C18: from Italian: _concert

Example Sentences

Before the concerto, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” was performed as a “prayer for victory,” the U.S. having entered World War II.

From Los Angeles Times

The left-hand concerto has dark mysteries hard to transmit over so many acres and video close-ups of two-armed pianists trying to keep the right hand out of the way can be disconcerting.

From Los Angeles Times

He played a Mendelssohn concerto, a Beethoven concerto and the Brahms double concerto for violin and cello, his bow gliding effortlessly as it sliced through the madness.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's so many strings in there that can wander out of tune, especially when you're playing big piano concertos," Terry explains.

From BBC

Aimard added a couple more “Notations” as an encore to his soulful, robust way with Bartok’s concerto, especially in the beautiful middle movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement 
• drama 
• melody 
• music 
• piece 
• poetry 
• setup 
• symphony 
• theme 
• tune 
• writing