What does 'grosso' mean in 'concerto grosso'?

It is Italian for 'big' or 'large', referring to the full orchestra (the ripieno) as opposed to the small solo group (concertino).

Is 'concerto grosso' singular or plural?

It is singular. The correct Italian plural is 'concerti grossi'.

Who are the most famous composers of concerti grossi?

Arcangelo Corelli, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Giuseppe Torelli. Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos are often discussed in relation to the form.

Can the term be used outside of music?

Only in highly figurative or metaphorical language (e.g., describing a political debate as a 'concerto grosso' between ministers and the parliamentary body). This is very rare and stylised.

Is “concerto grosso” formal?

Concerto grosso is usually formal / technical in register.

How do you pronounce “concerto grosso”?

Concerto grosso: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌtʃɛːtəʊ ˈɡrɒsəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˌtʃɛrtoʊ ˈɡroʊsoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

concerto grosso: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/kənˌtʃɛːtəʊ ˈɡrɒsəʊ/US/kənˌtʃɛrtoʊ ˈɡroʊsoʊ/

Formal / Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “concerto grosso” mean?

A musical composition for a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with a full orchestra (ripieno or concerto grosso), prominent in the Baroque period.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A musical composition for a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with a full orchestra (ripieno or concerto grosso), prominent in the Baroque period.

The term can refer to the genre of such works, or metaphorically to any situation involving a dialogue or contrast between a select group and a larger whole. In musicology, it specifically denotes a Baroque multi-movement form pioneered by composers like Corelli and Handel.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both follow the same technical, musicological definition.

Connotations

Identical; denotes high art, historical (Baroque) music, and specialist knowledge.

Frequency

Equally rare in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in UK discourse may be attributable to historical BBC programming and a strong early music scene, but this is marginal.

Grammar

How to Use “concerto grosso” in a Sentence

VERB + concerto grosso: compose, conduct, perform, analyse, recordADJECTIVE + concerto grosso: Baroque, famous, late, typical, three-movementconcerto grosso + VERB: features, contrasts, employs, dates fromPREP + concerto grosso: in a concerto grosso, of concerti grossi

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

BaroqueCorelliHandelcomposeperformripienoconcertinomovement

medium

orchestralsoloistsensembleformgenremasterpiece

weak

beautifulcomplexhistoricalpiece

Examples

Examples of “concerto grosso” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The ensemble will concerto grosso next season.

American English

The ensemble will concerto grosso next season.

adverb

British English

The piece was composed concerto-grosso-like.

American English

The piece was composed concerto-grosso-like.

adjective

British English

The concerto-grosso style is fascinating.

American English

The concerto-grosso style is fascinating.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in music history, theory, and performance studies courses and publications.

Everyday

Extremely rare, only among classical music enthusiasts.

Technical

Standard term in musicology, programme notes, and historical performance practice.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “concerto grosso”

Neutral

Baroque concertoorchestral work with solo group

Weak

ensemble pieceorchestral composition

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “concerto grosso”

solo concertosymphonyunaccompanied work

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “concerto grosso”

Pronouncing 'grosso' as /ˈɡrɒsəʊ/ (like 'gross') instead of /ˈɡrɒsəʊ/ or /ˈɡroʊsoʊ/.
Using it as a plural ('concerto grossos' – the correct plural is 'concerti grossi').
Confusing it with a standard solo concerto.
Misspelling as 'concertto grosso' or 'concerto grosso'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is Italian for 'big' or 'large', referring to the full orchestra (the ripieno) as opposed to the small solo group (concertino).
: It is singular. The correct Italian plural is 'concerti grossi'.
: Arcangelo Corelli, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Giuseppe Torelli. Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos are often discussed in relation to the form.
: Only in highly figurative or metaphorical language (e.g., describing a political debate as a 'concerto grosso' between ministers and the parliamentary body). This is very rare and stylised.
: A musical composition for a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with a full orchestra (ripieno or concerto grosso), prominent in the Baroque period.
: Concerto grosso is usually formal / technical in register.
: Concerto grosso: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌtʃɛːtəʊ ˈɡrɒsəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˌtʃɛrtoʊ ˈɡroʊsoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None directly. Figuratively: 'a concerto grosso of ideas' (a dialogue between a few and the many).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'GROSSO' = LARGE orchestra contrasting with the small 'CONCERTO' group. A 'large-scale concerto' with internal dialogue.

Conceptual Metaphor

DIALOGUE IS A MUSICAL FORM (the conversation between the small group and the large ensemble). HIERARCHY/COLLECTIVE VS. INDIVIDUAL (the select few versus the full body).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The by Corelli is considered a foundational work of the Baroque orchestral repertoire.

Multiple Choice

What is the defining characteristic of a concerto grosso?