The Classical Music Minute

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Music & Poetry In Harmony

October 18, 2021 Steven Hobé, Composer & Host Season 1 Episode 25
The Classical Music Minute
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Music & Poetry In Harmony
Show Notes Transcript

Description
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is a highly celebrated work. But did you know that poetry was also published along with it? You can check out the full poetry on the Charlotte Symphony website. Join me, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
Vivaldi’s opera Giustino, which was also written in 1723, has similarities to The Four Seasons. In the middle of Act I, there’s a short sinfonia, and we can hear what Vivaldi did with the theme from the first movement of his (then) new concerto.

About Steven
Steven is a Canadian composer living in Toronto. He creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his website for more.

A Note To Music Students et al.
All recordings and sheet music are available on my site. I encourage you to take a look and play through some. Give me a shout if you have any questions.

Got a topic? Pop me off an email at: TCMMPodcast@Gmail.com 

Support the show

Hi, I'm Steven Hobé.

Vivaldi published The Four Seasons in 1723, but with this, he also published poetry to accompany each concerto.

We don’t know if he wrote this himself, but there is a striking interplay between the two. Let’s take a peek.

If you recall the Spring concerto dances as the birds sing in the violin section. 

The poetry reads: Springtime is upon us. The birds celebrate her return with festive song, and murmuring streams are softly caressed by the breezes.

The Summer concerto is in the key of G minor giving us a hint that all is not completely picturesque. The poetry reads: Under a hard season, fired up by the sun Man and flock both languish, and pine trees burn.

So, if you are looking to get a fresh perspective on The Four Seasons try reading the poetry and listening again.

Possibly you will experience Vivaldi’s brilliance on a whole new level. I have included a link in the notes where the full poetry can be found.