# concerto

/kənˈtʃɛɹtoʊ/ (US) · /kəntʃˈeətəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/concerto
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a long piece of music written for one main instrument and a large group of musicians. It usually has three parts and lets the main player show their skill.

For teachers: a musical composition for a solo instrument or instruments accompanied by an orchestra. Typically structured in three movements following a fast-slow-fast pattern.

## Examples

- She is practicing a famous violin concerto for the concert.
- The pianist received a standing ovation after performing a difficult Rachmaninoff concerto with the national symphony.
- While the Baroque concerto grosso featured a small group of soloists, the Romantic era shifted focus toward the individual virtuoso battling or leading the full orchestral force.

## Usage notes

- The plural can be formed as 'concertos' or the Italian 'concerti', though the former is more common in general English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.