Answer: A concerto grosso is a musical composition that features a small group of soloists (known as the concertino) and a larger group of accompanying instruments (known as the ripieno or tutti). This type of composition emerged during the Baroque period and was popularized by composers like Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach.
In a concerto grosso, the contrast between the soloists and the larger ensemble is a key characteristic. The soloists typically play virtuosic and intricate passages, showcasing their individual skills and musicality. Meanwhile, the accompanying instruments provide harmonic support and play a more supporting role.
The structure of a concerto grosso usually consists of multiple movements, such as an opening movement (often in a fast tempo), a slow and lyrical middle movement, and a lively and energetic finale. Each movement may feature different combinations of soloists and may explore different musical themes and ideas.
To give you an example, let's consider Vivaldi's "Concerto Grosso in D minor, Op. 3, No. 11," also known as "L'estro armonico." In this piece, Vivaldi composed a concerto grosso for two violins and cello as the soloists, accompanied by a string orchestra. The soloists engage in a musical dialogue with each other and with the ripieno, creating a rich and dynamic musical texture.