Concertino

What it means

In the concerto grosso, concertino designates the small solo group that stands opposite the full orchestra. Usual is a scoring of two violins and continuo, but there are numerous deviations with winds or other instruments. The large body of sound is called ripieno or tutti. In addition, the term is used for a small, usually one-movement solo concerto — a concert piece of lesser extent than the usual three-movement concerto.

Musical use

The opposition of small and large group is the constructive principle of the concerto grosso: the solo group introduces the material, moves more agilely and in a thinner texture, and the tutti answers with firmness and fullness. From this alternation arise the form and dramaturgy of a movement. The soloists usually also play along in the tutti — they do not step down but reinforce. From this layout the solo concerto with a single soloist develops in the eighteenth century; the transition is gradual, and mixed forms are frequent.

Performance practice

Settle the question of scoring: who plays along in the tutti, who is silent, and how large is the ripieno. This decision shapes the sound more than any choice of tempo. Shape the changes between solo and tutti distinctly in volume and articulation without interrupting the flow. The solo group makes music in chamber-music fashion and leads; the tutti supports and does not push. Watch for a continuous basic tempo. In the continuo, the scoring adapts to the respective section, thinner in the solo, fuller in the tutti.

Bear in mind that the solo group plays together in chamber-music fashion: articulation, ornamentation, and handling of time must be agreed among the soloists before the tutti joins. Rehearse the solo sections first as a trio or quartet. Take care that the soloists play along in the tutti but should not stand out there; the change happens in attitude, not only in volume. In the continuo a thinner scoring is recommended during the solos. Settle who gives the entries when playing without a conductor.