Vivaldi’s Four Violin Concertos known as The Four Seasons are inspired by the different scenes that nature offers throughout the year. More specifically, they are based on four sonnets about life experiences that date back nearly three centuries but which we still recognize (for now).
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When Vivaldi published the scores of these concertos in 1725, he made a point of including the four sonnets that inspired them, whose authorship remains unknown. Thus, the music can be seen as illustrating a poetic narrative.
Spring evokes the cheerful singing of birds, the murmur of streams, blooming meadows, the pleasant siesta of animals, and always much celebration. Summer recalls the intense sunrise, the exhaustion of the shepherd and the flock, the birdsong, the omen of a storm, thunder and lightning, the buzzing of insects, and the desolation felt in the face of ruined crops. Autumn refers to the generosity of the harvest, the excesses of wine consumption, popular festivities, and hunting rituals. Finally, Winter portrays the shivering cold, restless winds, the comfort of the hearth, rain outside, slow and hesitant walking on snow, and the full severity of the season.
Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269, Spring
I. Allegro
The birds celebrate its arrival with festive songs,
and murmuring streams are gently caressed by the breeze.
Lightning—announcing Spring—
roars, casting its dark cloak across the sky,
then fades away silently,
and the birds once again resume their charming songs.
II. Largo e pianissimo sempre
In the flower-filled meadow with leafy branches,
the flocks of goats sleep, and the faithful shepherd’s dog sleeps beside them.
III. Pastorale Dance: Allegro
Led by the festive sound of rustic bagpipes,
nymphs and shepherds lightly dance
at the bright celebration of Spring.
Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315, Summer
I. Allegro non molto
During a harsh season,
under a scorching sun, man rests,
the flock rests, and the pine burns.
We hear the voice of the cuckoo;
then the sweet songs of the dove.
Gentle breezes stir the air…
But suddenly threatening north winds appear.
The shepherd trembles, fearing the violent storm and his fate.
II. Adagio – Presto
The fear of lightning and fierce thunder
robs his tired limbs of rest.
Flies buzz furiously around.
III. Presto
Unfortunately, his fears were justified.
Thunder roars and majestically cuts down the corn and ruins the grain.
Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293, Autumn
I. Allegro
The peasant celebrates with songs and dances
the joy of a good harvest.
Instigated by Bacchus’s liquor,
many end the party asleep.
II. Adagio molto
All forget their worries and sing and dance.
The air is filled with pleasure and
the season invites so many, so many
to leave their shelter to join and have fun.
III. Allegro
The hunters appear at dawn
with trumpets, dogs, and guns, beginning their hunt.
The prey flees and they follow its trail.
Terrified and exhausted by the noise
of guns and dogs, the wounded prey dies.
Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297, Winter
I. Allegro non molto
Shivering with cold amid cutting winds,
the teeth chatter from the chill.
II. Largo
He rests contentedly indoors
while those outside are struck by ceaseless rain.
III. Allegro
We tread carefully on the icy path, afraid to slip and fall.
Then we turn abruptly and cautiously, but we fall,
break the ice beneath us,
and feel the biting north wind again despite closed doors.
This is Winter, which, nonetheless, has its delights.
Rui Campos Leitão
Image: Veneza at the beginning of 18th century | Painting by Luca Carlevarijs | Source: Wikimedia Commons