Concerto

The etymology is uncertain, but the word seems to have originated from the conjunction of the two Latin words conserere (meaning to tie, to join, to weave) and certamen (competition, fight): the idea is that the two parts in a concerto, the soloist and the orchestra or concert band, alternate episodes of opposition, cooperation, and independence in the creation of the music flow. The concerto, as understood in this modern way, arose in the Baroque period side by side with the concerto grosso, which contrasted a small group of instruments with the rest of the orchestra. The popularity of the concerto grosso form declined after the Baroque period, and the genre was not revived until the 20th century. The solo concerto, however, has remained a vital musical force from its inception to this day. Early Baroque concerto[edit] Late Baroque concerto[edit] The concerto began to take its modern shape in the late Baroque period. Classical concerto[edit] Violin concertos[edit] Cello concertos[edit]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerto

The violin concerto: musical analysis - Ludwig van Beethoven - The Violin Concerto is the most accurate reflection of the lyrical side of Beethoven's musical personality. There is no trace of tragic intensity, inner struggle, suffering or overwhelming passion anywhere in the forty-five minute long piece: it is governed by a superior harmony and equilibrium of scale which make the work one of the highpoints in the history of music. "The melody pours forth in a divinely peaceful form permeated with the pure harmony of D major" (Riezler), with a series of surprises, typical of Beethoven, which leave the sweetness of the music untouched. His decision to open the piece with four beats on the timpani is quite original; the violins come in on the tenth beat on an unexpected note (D sharp) which is resolved in a similarly unusual manner (ending on C sharp instead of E); the transitional motif, played fortissimo over the harmony in B flat, hints at the unpredictable, powerful side of Beethoven's personality.

Concerto From Conservapedia The concerto was originally a work for one or more voices with instrumental accompaniment. During the 17th century it evolved into a form where a single soloist would play with an instrumental ensemble (concerto); or a group of instrumentalists would play with the larger ensemble (concerto grosso) in multi-movement orchestral works which featured passages or entire movements designated to be played by solo instruments. In its form, a concerto is a sonata with certain modifications.