Whats the difference between a symphony, a concerto and a sonata?

Question

Hi everyone can you tell me whats the difference between a symphony, a concerto and a sonata? Please explain, thank you

Answer 1

:: Symphony ::

A symphony is an extended composition usually for orchestra and usually comprising four movements.

The word symphony is derived from the Greek Συμφωνία, a combination of syn- ('συν', with, together) and phone ('φωνή', sound, sounding), by way of the Latin symphonia. The term was used by the Greeks, firstly to denote the general conception of concord, both between successive sounds and in the unison of simultaneous sounds; secondly, in the special sense of concordant pairs of successive sounds (i.e. the "perfect intervals" of modern music; the 4th, 5th and octave); and thirdly as dealing with the concord of the octave, thus meaning the art of singing in octaves, as opposed to singing and playing in unison. In Roman times the word appears in the general sense which still survives in poetry, that is, as harmonious concourse of voices and instruments. It also appears to mean a concert. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter xv verse 25, it is distinguished from χορῶν, and the passage is appropriately translated in the English Bible as "music and dancing." Polybius and others seem to use it as the name of a musical instrument.

In the sense of "sounding together", the word appears in the titles of works by Giovanni Gabrieli (the Sacrae symphoniae) and Heinrich Schütz (the Symphoniae sacre) among others. Through the 17th century, the Italian word sinfonia was applied to a number of works, including overtures, instrumental ritornello sections of arias, concertos, and works which would later be classified as concertos or sonatas.

:: Concerto ::

The term concerto (plural is concerti or concertos) usually refers to a musical work in which one solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra. The concerto, as understood in this modern way, arose in the Baroque period side by side with the concerto grosso, which contrasted a small group of instruments with the rest of the orchestra. While the concerto grosso is confined to the Baroque period, the solo concerto has continued as a vital musical force to this day. This article will concentrate on the development of the solo concerto.

The etymology of the word "concerto" is somewhat problematic, as the Italian ‘concertare’ can mean ‘to contend, dispute’ but it also has the contrary meaning of ‘to agree’. The idea of two opposing forces is inherent in the use of the term.

:: Sonata ::

Sonata (From Latin and Italian sonare, "to sound"), in music, literally means a piece played as opposed to cantata (Latin and Italian cantare, to sing), a piece sung. The term, being vague, naturally evolved through the history of music, designating a variety of forms prior to the Classical era. The term would take on increasing importance in the Classical period, and by the early 19th century the word came to be used for a principle of composing large scale works, and be applied to most instrumental genres, regarded alongside the fugue as one of two fundamental methods of organizing, interpreting and analyzing concert music. In the 20th century the term continued to be applied to instrumental works, but the formal principles enunciated and taught through the 19th century were weakened or loosened.

Answer 2

In lieu of a more expansive answer, and simply put, the differences between these musical forms lies in the number of instruments and movements employed.
A symphony is usually in four movements. The first and last usually are lively, or fast, the second movement is usually slow, and the third can be a number of different forms and speeds from a dance to a scherzo. The symphony features the entire orchestra, yet will contain passages for many solo instruments.
A concerto is usually in three movements, fast, slow, fast, and it features a solo instrument. Therefore there are violin, piano, and cello concertos (among others).
A sonata is also usually in three movements, fast, slow, fast but it is only for the featured instrument; that is solo. And so we have piano sonatas written as solo pieces, though other instruments may have sonatas composed for them as well.

Answer 3

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A symphony is simply a piece for orchestra. It 'usually' has 4 movements, one of them being in sonata form (Introduction of main theme, expostion, development, recapitulation, and possibly a coda or "tail"). It's most typically a large work. A concerto is a piece for orchestra and solo instrument (like a violin concerto or piano concerto). A sonata is, simply, a piece that is 'played.' It's a pretty vague term, I know.

Answer 4

A symphony is usually a long piece with different sections (called movements) played by an orchestra.
A Concerto can be played by an orchestra but there will always be solo sections devoted to one or two instruments. It can also be a solo instrument. Like a violin concerto or piano.
A Sonota is usually one instrument played in a style similar to singing, with long flowing chords imitating voice.

Answer 5

Very basically, a symphony is a large piece for orchestra. A concerto is a large piece for orchestra and a solo instrument that has the major part. A sonata is a solo piece, and may or may not be lengthy.

Answer 6

Concerto Grosso Definition

Answer 7

Symphony: An extended piece in three or more movements for orchestra. Concerto: A composition for an orchestra and one or more solo instruments, typically in three movements. Sonata: A composition for one or more solo instruments, one of which is usually a keyboard instrument, usually consisting of three or four independent movements varying in key, mood, and tempo.