concerto grosso

noun concerto gros·so \-ˈgrō-(ˌ)sō, -ˈgrȯ-\

plural concerti gros·si \-(ˌ)sē\

Definition of CONCERTO GROSSO

: a baroque orchestral composition featuring a small group of solo instruments contrasting with the full orchestra

Italian, literally, big concerto

First Known Use: 1724

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