Unit 3: Concerto

Question 1

Concerto background and origins

Answer 1

• developed in Baroque era
• 3 mvt work for orchestra and soloist(s)
• ritornello form (Baroque) replaced with sonata form (Classical)
• sonata form adapted by Mozart into “double exposition” or “first-movement concerto” form: ritornello concept preserved
• in Classical era: piano concerto more popular than violin concerto

Question 2

Concerto characteristic features

Answer 2

• 3 mvst (fast-slow-fast)
• first mvt based on sonata form w/ double exposition
• cadenza launched from cadential 6/4 chord, improvised (or prepared) by soloist

Question 3

double exposition

Answer 3

• modified sonata form
• often in 1st mvt of Classical concerto
• orchestral exposition introduce principal themes, establish tonic key
• solo exposition (supported by orchestra) restate first theme, initiate modulation away from tonic key; usually introduce new theme for solo instr

Question 4

cadenza

Answer 4

• solo passage in concertos and aris
• improvised by soloist or composed in improvisatory style
• virtuosity of soloist(s)