a composition for orchestra and a soloist
"The audience cheered wildly as the violinist launched into his concerto, showcasing his dazzling技巧 alongside the full orchestra."
A piece of music for one or more solo instruments and orchestra.
"The audience cheered loudly as the pianist began her dazzling concerto performance alongside the full orchestra."
In plain English: A concerto is a musical piece where one solo instrument plays against an orchestra to show off its special skills.
"The orchestra played beautifully during its performance of Beethoven's Fifth concerto."
Usage: Concertos are typically written in three movements, though two-movement versions exist; avoid confusing the term with "symphony," which features no soloist. The plural form is concertos, not concerto's.
The word entered English from Italian concerto, which comes from the verb concertare. Originally meaning to agree or arrange together, it developed into its current musical sense through this borrowing process.