The Four Seasons by Vivaldi in Mantua
Mantova, Teatro Scientifico del Bibiena
About the Event
Live an exclusive and unique musical experience in the heart of Mantua, inside one of the most fascinating theaters in the world. In the magnificent Teatro Scientifico Bibiena—a true 18th‐century masterpiece, where even Mozart performed at the age of 14— an unrepeatable event comes to life.
At center stage, violin soloist and conductor Elvin Dhimitri, accompanied by a string quartet and harpsichord.
This is not just a concert, but a rare opportunity for a close encounter with art and sound in a unique space. The audience will be completely immersed in an experience that enhances every nuance of sound and emotion, amplifying the magic of music in this place steeped in history.
Elvin Dhimitri, first violin of Opera and Lirica, has been recognized as an artist who is able to combine impassioned energy and vibrant communication. He was appointed Concertmaster of the Bilkent Youth International Symphony Orchestra in 1992. He performed for Luglio Musicale Symphony Orchestra of Trapani, La Nuova Scarlatti Symphony Orchestra of Naples, Toscanini Symphony Orchestra of Parma, to mention a few. He was appointed First Violin in the Rome Philharmonic Orchestra and he has been a member of the Rome and Lazio Symphony Orchestra since 1997.
Dhimitri continues to establish himself as one of the most appreciated violinists on the European scene also thanks to his extraordinary interpretation of the famous concert of the “Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi” which sold out in many cities such as Milan, Madrid, Rome and Naples just to name a few.
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Music representing the moods of the four seasons has always been popular, and baroque composers such as Werner and Fischer among others produced cycles of concertos representing the fours seasons. But none were to do so in such precise pictorial detail as Antonio Vivaldi in his Four Seasons concerto!
The whole Baroque epoch showed a deep interest in the amazing natural changes determined by the seasons. Bernini itself represented them in its fine sculptures. Baroque art has a dramatic conception of the relationship between man and nature and between man and the universe. Galileo’s discoveries brought about a shift in the position of man, who was no longer at the center of the cosmos. As a consequence, a new attitude of awe and wonder towards the power of nature emerged.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons are a symbol of his era. Not only is the feeling of astonishment conveyed by his spectacular description of nature, but also by his musical language. The composition aims at astounding the listener with unusual melodies, created through increased rhythm and higher harmonic contrast. His music is thus freer, more fluid and able to better describe the story it wishes to narrate. The scenes range from the chirp of different birds in spring, to summer storms, from fleeing foxes in autumn, to teeth chattering and rain pouring down in winter. In accordance with the highest expression of baroque concepts, nature is dramatized, and the audience feels actively involved in the rapid succession of events taking place in the work of art.
Witness the evocative power of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' in Palazzo Estense of Varese. The most famous of Vivaldi’s works, and revolutionary example of Italian Baroque music, performed by Opera e Lirica Academy strings quintet and harpsichord.
PROGRAM
Fisrt Time
Concerto F XI No.4 in A Major
Allegro molto/Andante molto/Allegro
Concerto “La Rustica” RV 151 in G Major
Presto/Adagio/Allegro
Concerto RV 127 in D Minor
Allegro/Adagio/Allegro
Second Time
Concerto No.1 in E Major, RV 269, “SPRING”
Allegro/Largo/Allegro (Pastorale dance)
Concerto No.2 in G Minor, RV 315, “SUMMER”
Allegro non molto — Allegro/Adagio‐Presto‐Adagio/
Presto (Summer Storm)
Concerto No.3 in F Major, RV 293, “AUTUMN”
Allegro (Peasant Dance and Song)/Adagio molto
(Sleeping Drunkards)/Allegro (The Hunt)
Concerto No.4 in F Minor, RV 297, “WINTER”
Allegro non molto/Largo/Allegro
TEATRO SCIENTIFICO BIBIENA
Built between 1767 and 1769, the theater was designed by Parma architect Antonio Galli Bibiena at the behest of Count Carlo Ottavio di Colloredo, rector of the Accademia dei Timidi. It was primarily intended to host scientific meetings, but was also open to performances and concerts.
The theater has a bell‐shaped floor plan and is arranged on multiple tiers of wooden boxes, following the type of structure invented in the 17th century and now prevalent.
With prodigious vivacity equaled by his creative resources, architect Bibiena fulfilled the obligation he had contracted with the Timidi family in 1767 in just two years: he designed the special theater, supervised its construction, and finally, with skill as a painter as well as an architect, personally frescoed the interiors of the numerous boxes with monochrome figures, another precious testimony to the illustrious maestro's artistic career.
The classical façade was designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, after whom the hall on the first floor of the theater takes its name.
The fully completed theater was officially inaugurated on 3rd December 1769: it was an exquisite jewel, balancing movement and elegance, and one of the most significant architectural creations of late eighteenth‐century Europe. Just over a month after the inauguration, on 16th January 1770, the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, just fourteen years old, arrived in Mantua on his first Italian tour and gave a memorable concert there, along with his father Leopold.
The theater is still used to host high‐level musical events, concerts, and conferences
Cast / Production
Violin soloist and Conductor: Elvin Dhimitri
Strings quintet
Harpsichord
Address
Teatro Scientifico del Bibiena, Via Accademia 47, Mantova, Italy — Google Maps
