Vivaldi and The Four Seasons (Spring)

Question 1

Vivaldi

Answer 1

1678-1741

Question 2

Place of Birth

Answer 2

Venice, Italy

Question 3

Musical Contributions (5)

Answer 3

• Contributed to 3-movement concerto structure
• developed idiomatic writing for strings
• established ritornello form
• used programmatic writing
• string virtuosity

Question 4

Spring - Genre

Answer 4

solo violin concerto

Question 5

Spring - Composition date

Answer 5

1725

Question 6

Spring - Source of Inspiration

Answer 6

Sonnets (likely written by Vivaldi himself)

Question 7

First movement (4)

Answer 7

• E major
• Ritornello Form
• Allegro
• 4-4 time

Poetic image: joyfulness, birds, murmuring creek, thunder and lightning

Question 8

Second Movement (4)

Answer 8

• C# minor
• two-part structure
• Largo
• 3-4 time

Poetic image: sleeping goatherd and faithful dog

Question 9

Third Movement (4)

Answer 9

• E major
• Ritornello Form
• Allegro
• 12-8 time

Poetic image: nymphs and shepherds dancing to the sound of bagpipes