Classical Music: Vivaldi and The Four Seasons

Last week we talked quite a bit about the change of seasons, and reflected on Charlotte Bronte's work Jane Eyre. This novel is a beautiful example of how our lives change and our circumstances change - often times outside of our control. If you haven't read it already, please consider doing so, especially if the change of season is passing you by. 

How has your week been? Have you seen changes in nature this week? Perhaps there are leaves turning glorious orange and amber, or the first new buds are blooming. Autumn and spring are by far my two favourite seasons and bring the most gorgeous colourful changes into our world. It is so easy to take advantage of this colour burst by bringing cut plants or leaves into our homes as decor. Listen to the animals. The cuckoo doesn't usually arrive here until December, and I love to hear it when it does. It says summer to me.

Today, I thought we could continue our seasonal theme by listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. But first, a little introduction to the man himself. All information is adapted from The Oxford Illustrate Dictionary of Music by Michael Hurd (second edition, 1979) and from The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

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Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice in 1678 and spent most of his working life in that beautiful Italian city. During his lifetime, he was a successful teacher to young girls, and wrote many operas, concerti grossi and sonatas. His focus was on the string instruments, with many solo pieces for violin, viola, and cello being incorporated into his repertoire. 

 Not only does the title of the music give an indication as to why this classical music selection is relevant, but once you listen to the four seasons, you will hear the beauty of change. Starting with spring, there is such an exuberance, a real joy for change. We are all ready here to burst forth out of our winter coats and into spring's delight. Vivaldi captured that feeling perfectly. Many of his sonatas follow a pattern of fast-slow-fast, which may give us an indication that even in music, there is time to slow down and reflect before picking up speed again. One of my favourite parts is halfway through autumn when the music picks up again. It just makes me want to get up and moving!

I have chosen this piece here to listen to. It was performed by the Budapest Strings, under conductor Bela Banfalvi. There are many other renditions, perfectly free to listen to, but his one is glorious. 

What do you think? Is the season that you are in now reflected in this beautiful music? Can you feel the changes? Which one is your favourite?

Thank you so much for stopping by. Enjoy the music of nature, and enjoy the music of Antonio Vivaldi.