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The<\/strong> concerto<\/a><\/strong> and the<\/strong> symphony<\/a> share a number of characteristics. Both are large-scale orchestral forms of music, and both were very popular from the Classical era<\/a> (1750 onwards). Concertos did form part of earlier Baroque<\/a> music, but they really came into their own \u2013 along with the symphony \u2013 a bit later.<\/strong> Let’s take a deeper look at the concerto vs symphony definition.<\/strong><\/p> The main point of difference is that in a concerto there a featured soloist (or soloists) is given the chance to really stand out. In concert they will stand up front \u2013 so not within the instrumental section of the orchestra<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p> The solo instrument will often appear to be in something of a battle with the orchestra, largely competing with the ensemble and showing off a bit. In a symphony, while there may be solo passages, the musicians are really all in it together. <\/p> Concertos traditionally have three movements, while symphonies have four \u2013 though there are plenty that have more, or less. That aside, both follow typical formal musical structures.<\/p>Concerto vs symphony: how do the two forms differ?<\/h2>