The concerto grosso, a Baroque-era musical form, features a small group of soloists playing against a larger ensemble. It typically follows a fast-slow-fast movement structure, showcasing virtuosic performances and interplay between the concertino and ripieno groups.

Arcangelo Corelli, an influential Italian composer, played a crucial role in shaping the concerto grosso. His "Twelve Concerti Grossi, Op. 6" set the standard for the genre, establishing the three-movement structure and clear distinction between concertino and ripieno parts.

The Concerto Grosso Form

Characteristics of concerto grosso form

• Emerged during the Baroque era gained popularity in the late 17th and early 18th centuries
• Employs a small group of soloists (concertino) juxtaposed against a larger ensemble (ripieno or tutti)
• Comprises multiple movements commonly arranged in a fast-slow-fast sequence
  • Movements often adhere to ritornello form or a comparable structure
• Highlights virtuosic performances and interplay between the concertino and ripieno
• Frequently includes a continuo section establishing the harmonic foundation

Sections of concerto grosso

• Ritornello sections
  • Performed by the complete ensemble (ripieno or tutti)
  • Introduce the primary thematic material
  • Act as a structural framework appearing at the beginning, end, and interspersed between solo sections
• Solo episodes
  • Spotlight the concertino (group of soloists)
  • Offer contrast to the ritornello sections
  • Exhibit virtuosic playing and melodic embellishment
  • Frequently explore different keys and emphasize the soloists' technical prowess

Concertino vs ripieno roles

• Concertino
  • Consists of a small group of soloists typically comprising two violins and a cello
  • Performs the more virtuosic and melodically prominent parts
  • Engages in musical dialogue with the ripieno
  • Displays the soloists' technical skill and expressive playing
• Ripieno (tutti)
  • Comprises a larger ensemble usually a string orchestra
  • Establishes the harmonic and rhythmic foundation
  • Performs the ritornello sections which present the main thematic material
  • Supports and contrasts with the concertino during solo episodes

Arcangelo Corelli's Contributions

Corelli's impact on concerto grosso

• Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was an influential Italian Baroque composer and violinist
• Regarded as one of the most significant composers in shaping the concerto grosso
• His "Twelve Concerti Grossi, Op. 6" (published posthumously in 1714) defined the standard for the genre
  • These works established the three-movement structure (fast-slow-fast) as the convention
  • Demonstrated a clear distinction between the concertino and ripieno parts
  • Featured well-balanced and elegantly crafted compositions
• Corelli's concerti grossi served as models for later composers (Handel, Vivaldi)
• His works played a crucial role in popularizing the concerto grosso form throughout Europe
• Corelli's contributions paved the way for the further development of the solo concerto in the late Baroque and early Classical periods