Tune of the Day: Summer
Just like the other three concertos that compose The Four Seasons, “Summer” (“L'estate” in Italian) is made up of three movements, following the usual fast-slow-fast scheme, and is accompanied by a sonnet:
Vivaldi Flute
Beneath the blazing sun's relentless heat
men and flocks are sweltering, pines are scorched;
we hear the cuckoo's voice, then sweet songs
of the turtle dove and finch are heard.
Soft breezes stir the air, but threatening
north wind sweeps them suddenly aside.
The shepherd trembles,
fearful of violent storm and what may lie ahead.
His limbs are now awakened from their repose
by fear of lightning's flash and thunder's roar,
as gnats and flies buzz furiously around.
Vivaldi: Flute Concerto RV 429; Vivaldi: Flute Concerto RV427; Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 1 in F major, RV 433 'La tempesta di mare' Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 2 in G minor, RV 439 'La notte' Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 3 in D major, RV 428 'Il gardellino' Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 4 in G major, RV 435. The Vivaldi Minor Flute has a distinct old world renaissance voice. It is very creative and easy to improvise with. This 15 1/2 inch creative harmonic minor flute carries a classical anointing that draws you into a dreamy place where composition and entertainment. Vivaldi, Antonio Spring from 'The Four Seasons' Sheet music for Flute - 8notes.com. Vivaldi: Complete Flute Concertos I Musici, Severino Gazzelloni Classical 1996 Preview SONG TIME Concerto for Flute and Strings in F, Op.10, No.1, R.433 'La tem pesta di mare' Concerto for Flute and Strings in F, Op. 433 'La tem pesta di mare': I.
Alas, his worst fears were justified,
as the heavens roar and great hailstones
beat down upon the proudly standing wheat.
As you can see, the final movement evokes a thunderstorm, which is why it is often dubbed “Storm”.
Tune of the Day: Allegro from Winter
Today we present the third and final movement from Antonio Vivaldi's violin concerto Winter, which is part of the famous set known as The Four Seasons. This Allegro begins slowly, as if to convey one's bracing for the cold. Gradually the music comes to life, but with frosty swirls and the wind howling and chilling. The pacing slows in the latter half as another dark mood threatens to overtake the proceedings, but the music suddenly springs to life with great vigor, and the work ends in a positive, if somewhat tense mood.
Vivaldi Flute Music
Here is the sonnet that goes along with this movement:
Walking on ice, and moving cautiously,
With slow steps, for fear of falling;
Spinning around, slipping, falling down,
Again walking on ice and running fast
Until the ice cracks and splits;
Hearing Sirocco, Boreas, and all the winds at war
Burst forth from the bolted doors
This is winter, which nonetheless brings joy.
Thanks to Benny for requesting this movement!