concerto grosso
A Baroque orchestral form featuring a small group of soloists contrasted with the full ensemble
In Depth
The concerto grosso sets a concertino (small group, usually two violins and continuo) against a ripieno (full string orchestra). The interplay between small and large groups creates dynamic contrasts in texture, volume, and colour. Corelli established the form, and Handel's twelve Grand Concertos, Op. 6, represent its summit. Vivaldi and Bach also contributed major works. The form declined after 1750 as the solo concerto took precedence, but it was revived by Bloch, Schnittke, and others in the 20th century.
Handel composed all twelve of his Op. 6 Grand Concertos in just one month in 1739, an astonishing feat of sustained creative output.