Born in Venice
on March 4th, 1678, Antonio Vivaldi was employed for most of his working life by
the Ospedale della Pietà. Most of Vivaldi's concerti were intended for
performance with his many talented pupils.
He wrote what we know as programme music -
moods such as pastoral scenes or storms.
THE FOUR SEASONS:
1: Concerto No.1 in E Major, RV 269, "SPRING"
Allegro / Largo / Allegro (Pastorale dance)
2: Concerto No.2 in g minor, RV 315, "SUMMER"
Allegro non molto - Allegro / Adagio – Presto – Adagio / Presto (Summer
Storm)
3: Concerto No.3 in F Major, RV 293, "AUTUMN"
Allegro (Peasant Dance and Song) / Adagio molto (Sleeping Drunkards) /
Allegro (The Hunt)
4: Concerto No.4 in f minor, RV 297, "WINTER"
Allegro non molto / Largo / Allegro
He took four Sonnets, apparently written by himself. Each of the
four sonnets is expressed in a concerto, which in turn is divided into
three phrases or ideas, reflected in the three movements (fast-slow-fast)
of each concerto.
Italian
L'Estate
Sotto dura Staggion dal Sole accesa
Langue l' huom, langue 'l gregge, ed arde il Pino;
Scioglie il Cucco la Voce, e tosto intesa
Canta la Tortorella e 'l gardelino.
Zeffiro dolce Spira, mà contesa
Muove Borea improviso al Suo vicino;
E piange il Pastorel, perche sospesa
Teme fiera borasca, e 'l suo destino;
Toglie alle membra lasse il Suo riposo
Il timore de' Lampi, e tuoni fieri
E de mosche, e mossoni il Stuol furioso!
Ah che pur troppo i Suo timor Son veri
Tuona e fulmina il Ciel e grandioso
Tronca il capo alle Spiche e a' grani alteri.
