30 GREATEST ORCHESTRAL MASTERPIECES

LECTURE TWO ANTONIO VIVALDI: THE FOUR SEASONS

This lecture and most of the following lectures will not have as many vocabulary
words. There will be more of a variety of names, phrases in foreign languages and
general concepts that you can jot down as much or as little as you think necessary.
Included will also be spaces to take notes on individual movements. There will be a
few reflection questions at the end as wellanswer using two or three sentences
each.

Opera octiva
Antonio Vivaldi (born died)
Dedication of concerti
Hospidale della Pieta
Venice
Scoring of concerti
Continuo
Il Prete Rosso
Basilica San Marco
Joseph Haydn:Symphony::Antonion Vivaldi:?
Vivaldis youth
# of operas
# of concertos
Generalizations regarding concerti:
1.
2.
3.
4.

program music

Concerto No. 1 La primavera
I.
II.
III.

Sonnet source?
Ritornello
Tutti
Cadenza
Observations:
1.
2.

Concerto No. 2 Lestate
I.
II.
III.

Motives
Impressionistic
Drone
Vivaldis personality
Mestro di violin
Trio sonata
Sala
Who arranged the concerti?
l cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione
Importance of titles

Concerto No. 3 Lautunno
I.
II.
III.

Concerto No. 4 Linverno
I.
II.
III.

Pizzicato

Conclusions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Vivaldis fate
Choir boy at funeral

What do you think is it about Mvmt 1 of La primavera that makes it so recognizable
to musicians and non-musicians alike?

Does the sonnet describing the scenes enhance the listening of each season? Why or
why not?

Could an Hospidale della Pieta be successful in modern society?