The Concerto

Start with the Classical concerto

Begin with the Classical Concerto mind map for an overview of performers, composers and the setting of a concerto. Then open Classical Concertos, a flashcard deck that asks about performers, venues and movements. Use the questions to check what you remember from the map, then return to it where you need another look.

The Classical Concertos + Sonatas mind map also covers the relationship between a soloist and orchestra and introduces the cadenza. It gives you another way to organize the features you find in the flashcards.

Explore concerto styles

Concerto Cards introduces terms including concerto grosso, solo concerto, concertino and ripieno. Work through the cards alongside the Concerto Through Time mind map, which shows groups of solo instruments, orchestras and examples of solo instruments. The map can help you see how the terms in the cards relate to the performers.

Another mind map covers Baroque concerto features, including ritornello, solo and tutti. The slide set on Bach's Brandenburg Concerto provides a composer-focused resource to explore alongside these broader outlines.

Use questions and maps together

There are no quizzes listed on this page, but the flashcard questions give you a way to practice recalling information. Try answering a question before looking at its answer. Then use a mind map to connect that answer to other features of the concerto.

For example, the Classical Concerto flashcards ask about instruments and the roles of the soloist, orchestra and conductor. Compare those prompts with the Classical Concerto mind maps as you study.

Place the topic in the unit

The Concerto is a section of The Classical Period unit in Music. These resources let you focus on concerto performers, forms and terminology within that unit, while also exploring material on earlier concerto styles. Choose a map and a flashcard deck to study the topic from both angles.