Vivaldi's Four Seasons

by John Grasmeier
Angelqueen.org
June, 2008

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is widely regarded not only as a musical masterwork of a renowned baroque composer, but also as one of the great masterworks in all of Western art. The Four Seasons is a series of four concertos (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, each containing three movements) which are the first part of the larger 12 concerto work entitled "Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione" (The Contest of Harmony and Invention) - Vivaldi’s 8th Opus. The works were first published in Amsterdam in 1725, but were written a few years earlier, most likely when Vivaldi spent several years as Maestro for Prince Phillip, governor of Mantua.

In addition to being hailed as a musical genius and a virtuoso violinist of the highest caliber, Il Prete Rosso, or “The Red Priest” (as he was known because of his red hair and the fact that he was an ordained priest) is credited with numerous breakthroughs in baroque music. For example, today, it would be hard for anyone to imagine the violin not being used for solo work. However, before Vivaldi came along with his boundless creativity and mastery of his instrument, the violin was seen as strictly an ensemble instrument. He single handedly brought the violin from the background to the front and center.

Another of Vivaldi’s many contributions to Western music is the concept of pictorialism, which he presciently demonstrates for us in Four Seasons. For each of the three movements of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, Vivaldi attaches short sonnets for added vividry.

After springtime is so gloriously heralded-in in the very first movement, we hear the shepherd’s dog bark throughout the next movement (“Spring 2”). Rustic bagpipes fill the air at the beginning of Spring 3. In the first movement of Summer (or “Summer 1”), the call of the Cuckoo (listen to an actual cuckoo call) is simulated. In Summer 2, insects furiously swarm the troubled little shepherd before he witnesses the sad scene of the crops being destroyed by a summer storm. The hunters’ bugles ring out as they pursue and overcome their prey in Autumn 3. Interestingly, being that music notation doesn’t allow for certain techniques used by Vivaldi to imitate man and nature; the original sheet music has several instances of hand-written notes from him in order to coach the reader.

Besides offering a most exquisite example of pictorialism, Seasons also highlights many of the gifts which made the Red Priest one of the greats. The phenomenal mastery over his instrument becomes clear when listening to the hair-raising runs heard in pieces such the first movement of Spring and the first and third movements of Winter. His ability to lift the heart of the listener through his sheer love of music is apparent throughout Seasons, but is particularly pronounced in the first and third movements of Spring and Autumn respectively.

The sonnets below are more exegeses than translations, as literal translations of the originals to English would produce something resembling gibberish. The exegeses used here are original to this article, as many of those currently available were found to be lacking in many respects. In some cases they were too precise in translation, to the point of detraction while, in other cases, not precise enough for authenticity.

The audio files accompanying the sonnets are from an “out of print” album produced in 1976 by a 12 piece French ensemble led by Nikolaus Haroncourt. The group, obvious Vivaldi fanatics, went to great lengths by acquiring actual instruments of the time and carefully researching specific performance techniques used during the period when Vivaldi was alive. Another laudable aspect of this version is that the harpsichord - an instrument Vivaldi played - doesn't get buried by the recording process, as is so often (and so frustratingly) the case with productions of seasons. The converted sound files used for this article are for example purposes only and do not do the work appropriate justice. If you can find any available CDs of the Haroncourt version of Seasons, buy one. The production is exceedingly authentic, with a natural sound and subtle beauty that must fill the room via an appropriate sound system to be fully appreciated. It happens to be the favorite interpretation of this author.

Most of what’s contained in this article was initially intended to be a part of a larger upcoming AQ piece dedicated to Antonio Vivaldi. However, it was realized that four pages devoted solely to Seasons would have been disproportionate and would have made the article too long. On the other hand, at least four pages were due this magnificent creation if it were to be given sufficiently thorough treatment. Hence the outtake you're now reading.

Those new to the works of the Venetian master will find Seasons is an excellent primer. Be advised, however, that Vivaldi is highly addictive. For those familiar with Vivaldi yet have not become familiar with these sonnets (there are, surprisingly, many), listening to their associated movements while contemplating them adds a new and elightening aspect to the music and the composer.

As far as the Vivaldi aficionado is concerned, well, Seasons is always a good listen. Regardless of how many times it is enjoyed, like a good cigar or glass of fine wine, it can never disappoint.

Enjoy.

La Primavera (Spring) – Concerto I in E Major - RV 269

1st Movement (“Spring 1”) Allegro
Springtime has arrived, and the birds joyfully celebrate her return with happy song while murmuring brooks are gently caressed by the breezes. Then, the heavens are shrouded with a black canopy as thunder and bolts of lightning herald in storms, which then pass into silence and the birds resume their happy songs.
Listen

2nd Movement (“Spring 2”) Largo
Now, in the flowery meadow, to the soft rustling of leafy bows, the goat-herder sleeps, his faithful dog at his side.
Listen

3rd Movement (“Spring 3”) Allegro
To the festive sound of rustic bagpipes, nymphs and shepherds lightly dance beneath the beloved, brilliant canopy, welcoming the arrival of spring.
Listen

L'Estate (Summer) – Concerto II in G minor - RV 315

1st Movement (“Summer 1”) Allegro non molto
Under the harsh season’s blazing sun, men and flocks languish and pines are scorched. We hear the call of the cuckoo, followed by sweet songs of the turtle dove and finch. Gentle western breezes blow….until the ominous north winds suddenly sweep them away. The little shepherd sobs in fear of the violent storm… and his destiny.
Listen

2nd Movement (“Summer 2”) Adagio e piano - Presto e forte
His tired limbs are roused from rest, frightened by the lightning bolts and roaring thunder, as flies and gnats swarm furiously.
Listen

3rd Movement (“Summer 3”) Presto
Alas, his worst fears are realized, as huge hailstones fall from the roaring heavens, cutting the heads from the proudly standing grain.
Listen

L'Autunno (Autumn) – Concerto III in F Major - RV 293

1st Movement “(Autumn 1”) Allegro
Peasants celebrate the delight of a bountiful harvest with song and dance, ignited by the liquor of Bacchus, after which many end up in deep sleep.
Listen

2nd Movement (“Autumn 2”) Adagio molto
The song and dance fades away as the pleasant air invites all to a sweet and peaceful sleep.
Listen

3rd Movement (“Autumn 3”) Allegro
As dawn breaks, the hunters set forth with horns, guns and hounds. Their prey flees as they follow its trail. Terrified and tiring from the great clamor of the guns and dogs, the wounded prey struggles to escape, but is overwhelmed and dies.
Listen

L'Inverno (Winter) – Concerto IV in F minor - RV 297

1st Movement (“Winter 1”) Allegro non molto
Shivering from the chill amid the frozen snow and harsh winds; running and constantly stomping one's frozen feet, teeth chatter from the bitter cold.
Listen

2nd Movement (“Winter 2”) Largo
To pass the days quiet and content by the fire, while the rain outside soaks people by the hundreds.
Listen

3rd Movement (“Winter 3”) Allegro
Slowly and cautiously we walk the icy path, afraid of slipping and falling. We spin, and fall to the ground then, rising hastily, run across the ice before it cracks apart.
The chilly north winds, all at war, find their way in through the bolted doors… this is winter, yet it has joys of its own.
Listen