kənˈcher]d.(ˌ)ō, -eə], ](ˌ)tō sometimes -chər] or -chə̄] or -chəi] noun
( plural concer·ti ]d.(ˌ)ē, ](ˌ)tē, ]d._i, ]_ti ; or concertos )
Etymology: Italian — more at concert
1. : a composition characteristic of the 16th and 17th centuries for one or more solo voices or instruments with organ or orchestral accompaniment — called also church concerto
2. : concerto grosso
3. : a virtuoso piece for solo instrument or voice and orchestra that is usually in symphonic form with three contrasting movements, the themes stated alternately by soloist and orchestra, and that is characterized by a bravura solo cadenza