‘A concerto of relatively small dimensions’ is RogerSessions's own characterization of his Concertinofor Chamber Orchestra. In a programme noteaccompanying the recording and (in slightly abridgedform) the score, the composer explains how hisconception of the work arose largely from practical,though artistically relevant, circumstances. TheConcertino, written in 1971–72, had beencommissioned by the Fromm Foundation for TheContemporary Chamber Players of the University ofChicago, a group directed by the wellknown composerand conductor Ralph Shapey:

… Mr. Shapey's organization is composed of players who,especially among the woodwinds, are accustomed toplaying several instruments in their chosencategories. Since this work, designed as it is foran orchestra of chamber dimension, … by conceptionas well as by the demands of the medium itself,emphasizes solo performance, I decided to availmyself of the players' versatility and give each ofthe various available instruments a significant roleto play.