Main Characteristics
Soloists
the concerto grosso is a work for two or more soloists. |
Orchestra
Split into two sections; the ripieno (the main orchestra) and the concertino (soloists). |
Instruments
Harpsichord, cello, violin, violas, oboe, recorder, bassoon. |
Continuo
Harpsichord plays chordal harmony with cello or bassoon playing the bass line. |
Venue
Small spaces, for example, a chamber or room. |
Ornamentation
Melodies are embellished with trills and turns. These sound quite ‘busy’. |
Texture
Melody & accompaniment, polyphonic, homophonic, contrapuntal. Can be quite complex. |
Terraced Dynamics
The volume changes suddenly between loud and soft. |