Vivaldi: Spring, from The Four Seasons, third movement (Danza

pastorale)
Description
The first ritornello in E major starts at 0:00. The main melody is
supported by basso continuo using sustainted long notes simulating
the rustic bagpipe, which is played by cello. The first motif is
repeated for two times at the beginning, first time stronger, then
softer. There are ostinato of musical figures as some of them are
repeated a few times. Dotted rhythm creates a dancelike theme.
Episode one begins at 0:27, solo violin is presented. The tempo
speeds up slightly, sixteenth notes are added. Tonality was first in E
major but its later modulated to C# minor. It has a wavelike contour
and a four descending sixteen note pattern is used near the end.
0:49 is the second ritornello, goes back to tutti. Representing
nymphs and shepards dancing. There are more variations in
rhythms comparing to the first one. It is in its relative C# minor.
1:16 Brings out episode two, the solo part. The piece is modulated
to B major. Double stops are used to imitate rustic bagpipes. An
ascending conjunct movement is repeated three times. First time in
B major, second in E, third in A. After series of double stops, the
music becomes more lively and the tempo is speeded up a little.
The rhythm constantly follows a particular contour. This section ends
with a perfect cadence. Spring appears in its brilliance.
During the third ritornello in 2:08, the melody is modulated back to
E major. But it surprisingly changed to E minor later.
2:39 Episode three, the soloist returns with a new melody. The
beginning of the solo is accompanied by long notes, evoking a
lonely vibe. It is slow and soft at first, it becomes faster and more
aggressive near the end. Comparing to previous episodes, they have
a similar contour but are played in different notes. This section ends
with a trill.
Near 3:02 is the fourth ritornello. The motif at the beginning is
repeated, without new variants, the music ends with perfect
cadence.