The Concerto

http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/g_concerto.html

This page from the extensive Classical Music site provides a brief annotated discussion of the Concerto form, along with links to representative composers from the Baroque period and beyond.

Baroque Concerto Grosso

http://www.lcsproductions.net/MusHistRev/Articles/BarConGrsso.html

A concise description of the musical form, texture and style of concerto grosso is provided at this site, with links to composer's biographies.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/vivaldi_op8_1to4_four_seasons.html

Sound files and text to this famous piece can be found here.

Questions

1			What is the concerto form?
2			Describe the form texture and style of the concerto grosso. How does it differ from musical forms in past periods? How is it similar?
3			What is the ritornello?
4			Why was Vivaldi’s use of the ritornello particularly so important?