Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit explores the development of the concerto through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. Lessons focus on typical features and how these evolved in relation to stylistic trends during those periods. It also includes analysis of a series of case studies, exemplifying the developments.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify key features of the Classical concerto and compose an idiomatic cadenza.

Key Notes

• The Classical concerto uses a larger orchestra than Baroque, with no continuo and a broader range of solo instruments.
• The first movement typically uses sonata form - exposition, development and recapitulation.
• The texture is usually melody and accompaniment, with a melody based on balanced phrasing.
• Cadenzas are an opportunity for soloists to show off their technical skill, with virtuosic playing in a free tempo.

Vocabulary To Learn

• cadenza: a solo section in a concerto in which the soloist plays in a virtuosic manner
• sonata form: a common structure for a piece, based on an exposition, development and recapitulation
• balanced phrasing: where phrases are an equal length and create symmetry; they are often in 'question and answer' form
• melody and accompaniment: (or melody dominated homophony) is a texture in which there is a single clear melody with separate accompaniment

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Cadenzas are always composed.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• The baroque solo concerto Study Guide
• The concerto grosso Study Guide
• The piano concerto through time Study Guide
• The romantic concerto Study Guide