Antonio Vivaldi

Question 1

Information About Him (8)

Answer 1

• (1678-1741)
• Italian violinist, conductor, and composer
• ordained Catholic priest (nicknamed the “Red Priest”)
• brilliant writer for strings
• contributed to the concerto structure
• established ritornello form
• wrote technical-demanding writing for strings
• liked to use descriptive titles

Question 2

“La Primavera” (“Spring”) (5)

Answer 2

• from The Four Seasons
• solo violin concerto
• composed in 1725
• inspired by poems likely written by Vivaldi himself
• solo violin, strings, and continuo perform

Question 3

First Movement of “La Primavera” (5)

Answer 3

• in E major
• allegro
• in common time
• in ritornello form
• depicts birds, streams, breezes, and thunder storm

Question 4

Second Movement of “La Primavera” (5)

Answer 4

• in C-sharp minor
• largo
• in 3/4 time
• depicts goat herd in a meadow with his dog
• pattern in viola is the dog barking (ostinato)

Question 5

Third Movement of “La Primavera” (6)

Answer 5

• in E major
• allegro
• in 12/8 time
• in ritornello form
• depicts nymphs and shepherds dancing to bagpipes
• bass notes suggest the drone of the bagpipes