The piano concerto through time
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify similarities and differences between the piano concertos of the Classical and Romantic periods.
Key learning points
- The piano became a very important instrument in Classical and Romantic concertos.
- Its dynamic range, pitch range, expressive abilities and ability to play multiple layers attracted composers to it.
- The piano concerto mirrored most of the trends of those periods, though there are some specific ways the piano is used.
- These include accompanying orchestral melodies with chords and playing both melody and accompaniment together.
Keywords
Chromatic - notes from outside the key; chromatic movement often involves moving by semitones
Diatonic - harmony which uses only notes from within the key
Arpeggio - a broken chord in which the notes of a chord are played in order, ascending or descending
Scalic - a melody using segments of a scale
Tutti - a section in a concerto where the orchestra play together, including the main melody
Common misconception
Piano concertos are just the same as other concertos.
Not quite. Because of the unique abilities of the piano - including its range and ability to play multiple lines at once - composers use it slightly differently to other instruments. This includes using it to accompany itself, or the orchestra.
Teacher tip
Watching a performance of a piano concerto will help pupils to understand the broader culture of classical music concerts. Consider showing pupils a performance of part of a Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Brahms or Chopin Piano Concerto to extend their learning.
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