What term refers to the Baroque genre highlighting the contrast in sound between a small ensemble of solo instruments and a larger ensemble?

The term that refers to the Baroque genre highlighting the contrast in sound between a small ensemble of solo instruments and a larger ensemble is the concerto grosso. In this form, the small group of soloists, known as the concertino, interacts with and contrasts against the larger ensemble, called the ripieno. This interplay creates dynamic shifts in texture and color, showcasing the virtuosity of the soloists while also allowing for rich harmonies and variations in orchestration from the larger ensemble.

The concerto grosso was especially popular during the Baroque era, as it exemplified the dramatic contrasts in music that were characteristic of the period. Composers like Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli prominently used this form, experimenting with its structure and enhancing its expressive capabilities through the interplay between the solo and full orchestral sections. The distinct contrast in volume and timbre between the groups is what sets the concerto grosso apart and makes it a celebrated genre.