What are the alikes and differences of a concerto and a symphany?

Question:a concerto is typically a work written for orchestra and one solo instrument.. for example, a trumpet concerto is a trumpet feature with orchestral accompaniment.

a symphony on the other hand is a piece which is written for an orchestra in its own right, with melodies and harmonies being passed around sections.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: a concerto is typically a work written for orchestra and one solo instrument.. for example, a trumpet concerto is a trumpet feature with orchestral accompaniment.

a symphony on the other hand is a piece which is written for an orchestra in its own right, with melodies and harmonies being passed around sections.

A symphony is generally for a whole orchestra while a concerto has an orchestra behind a solo instrument, which gets to 'show off'. A symphony might have four or five movements, while a concerto usually has three movements, fas/slow/fast.

But those are only general rules. Many symphonies have 'concertante' parts, meaning solo instruments. And some concertos have more than 4 movements, especially in the 20th century.

I could answer, but I would be saying exactly what the previous posters said, as they are exactly right!

Try listening to a few concertos and a few symphonies -- you'll understand the difference even better (and get to listen to some enjoyable music!).

I agree with Mr. Knowitall, and Michael G, I like concertos much better then symphonies....in fact I don't like them at all....to long and to boring...I love concertos....they have three or more movements and are usually shorter in the movements....and I absolutely love it when the soloist plays..... I especially like the concertos for classical guitar, and the ones for violin, the ones that have an Allegro, Adagio, and then an Allegro...I also like some of the cello concertos !!!!!!!