Music appreciation: A classical concerto is played by a

A. piano, two violins, viola, and cello. B. small ensemble and orchestra. C. soloist and orchestra. D. piano and basso continuo.

Soloist and orchestra C.

A classical concerto is played by C. soloist and orchestra.

It was developed sometime during the Classical period (as the name of the concerto states) and it was created in order to show the incredible skills of that particular soloist, accompanied by a variety of other instruments to highlight the performer's prowess even more.