One Soloist Against an Orchestra

In the picture

1. 1The soloist: one instrument that carries the main melody and shows off its skill
2. 2The strings: the core of the orchestra, answering and supporting the soloist
3. 3The conductor’s podium: where the conductor keeps soloist and orchestra together
4. 4The winds: extra colours that the orchestra adds around the soloist
5. 5The three movements: fast, slow, fast, each one a separate section of the work

Examples

• Hearing a famous violin concerto where the violinist plays alone for a moment while the whole orchestra waits
• A band concert where one trumpet player stands up for a solo while the rest of the band backs them up

Quiz: One Soloist Against an Orchestra (Age 18)

1. 1

   What makes a piece of music a solo concerto?

   • One instrumentalist trades musical ideas with a full orchestra
   • A full orchestra plays with every instrument given an equal role
   • Several soloists take turns playing without any orchestra
2. 2

   What is the usual order of movements in a solo concerto?

   • Fast, slow, fast
   • Slow, fast, slow
   • Fast, fast, slow
3. 3

   What happens during a cadenza in a solo concerto?

   • The soloist rests while the orchestra plays a slow section
   • The orchestra plays alone to link one movement to the next
   • The orchestra stops and the soloist shows off alone

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.