Antonio Vivaldi was one of the composers of the Baroque
era that changed the form of the concerto from the
Concerto Grosso to the Solo Concerto. The Concerto
Grosso divided the instrumental group into two
sections; the concertino, a small group of soloists and
the ripieno, the rest of the orchestra. The concertino
would take turns playing musical material as soloists
and play together as a small group while the ripieno
played between episodes of the concertino.
The flute concerto in D m...(+)
Antonio Vivaldi was one of the composers of the Baroque
era that changed the form of the concerto from the
Concerto Grosso to the Solo Concerto. The Concerto
Grosso divided the instrumental group into two
sections; the concertino, a small group of soloists and
the ripieno, the rest of the orchestra. The concertino
would take turns playing musical material as soloists
and play together as a small group while the ripieno
played between episodes of the concertino.
The flute concerto in D major (RV 427), is one of four
works featuring the solo flute written by Antonio
Vivaldi. Vivaldi wrote the piece in the 1730s, a period
in which he wrote two of his other works featuring the
flute, one in G minor and the other in C major.
The concerto is in three movements. The first movement
is in a fast tempo and is played by the strings as well
as the solo flute. the opening movement contrasts a
tuneful opening theme with a more lyrical motif in the
minor mode. During the movement, the solo lute plays
melodies in contrast to the ritornello. The movement
consists of several sections, almost all of which
incorporate a portion of the ritornello melody.
The second movement also consists of several sections
described as a reflective meditation by the soloist
against accompaniment by the strings. the movement has
an exquisitely simple shift to triple meter.
The third and final movement is another fast movement
in a 3/8 time signature which has a bit of
tarantella-like feel.
Little is written about this, the Concerto in D Major.
Although originally written for Flute, Strings and
Harpsichord, I created this arrangement for Flute and
String Quartet (2 Violins, Viola & Cello).