A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Concertante

CONCERTANTE (Ital.). In the last century this name was given to a piece of music for orchestra in which there were parts for solo instruments, and also to compositions for several solo instruments without orchestra. The fine concerto by Handel in C major, for two violins and violoncello, accompanied by strings and two oboes (published in part 21 of the German Handel Society's edition) is in Arnold's old English edition entitled 'Concertante.' In the present day the word is chiefly used as an adjective, prominent solo instrumental parts being spoken of as 'concertante parts,' and a work being said to be 'in the concertante style' when it affords opportunities for the brilliant display of the powers of the performers. For example, those quartets of Spohr in which especial prominence is given to the part of the first violin are sometimes called 'concertante quartets.' His op. 48 is a 'Sinfonie concertante, pour 2 Violons avec Orchestre'; his op. 88 a 'Concertante' for the same. See also his op. 112–115, etc.

[ E. P. ]