The piece is also sometimes played on mandolin. It has also been performed on guitar by more classical soloists, such as John Williams. Yes guitarist Steve Howe performed the second movement on guitar on the band's 2002 live album Symphonic Live, into which he incorporated a number of improvisations. The concerto is usually played on guitar. Today, Ben Salfield is one of the few lutenists to perform the concerto regularly in European concerts. The piece also includes important parts for the violins. The lute parts are written primarily as chords, and the lute player is intended to play arpeggios based on these chords.

The concerto uses the lute primarily in a high register. Robins praises the movement's 'exquisitely simple shift from triple to duple meter.' The third and final movement is another fast movement in a 6/8 time signature which Robins describes as having 'a bit of tarantella-like feel.' The soloist also has the option of playing the half notes in the movement using a more vigorous 12/8 time signature. Robins describes this movement as a 'reflective meditation by the soloist' against accompaniment by the violins and pizzicato bass. The second movement also consists of several sections. The movement consists of several sections, almost all of which incorporate a portion of the ritornello melody. According to AllMusic critic Brian Robins, the ritornello 'contrasts a tuneful opening theme with a more lyrical motif in the minor mode.' During the movement, the solo lute plays melodies in contrast to the ritornello.

The first movement is in a fast tempo and begins with a ritornello played by the violins and then repeated by the solo lute. Problems playing this file? See media help.

Vivaldi armida