noun
concerto
kuhn-CHAIR-toh/kənˈtʃertəʊ/
A musical composition for a solo instrument and orchestra.
The violinist performs a concerto with the chamber orchestra accompanying her.
Etymology
Italian concerto means “concert, harmony.” In the selected musical sense, the composition brings a featured solo instrument together with an orchestra; the word’s deeper ancestry is uncertain.
In context
a concerto features a solo instrument or set of instruments playing against with the rest of the orchestra
More examples
- This violin concerto gives the soloist several dazzling passages.
- She writes a concerto for flute and orchestra.
- The orchestra's new season includes two piano concertos.
Forms
concerto · concertos · concerti
Similar words
- composition
- Any original musical work, not necessarily for soloist and orchestra.