The Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Naples, Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore
About the Event
Experience a captivating concert at the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples, featuring a stunning performance of Antonio Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' by a strings quintet and harpsichord. Vivaldi's detailed musical representation of the four seasons stands out among Baroque compositions, capturing the wonders of nature in a unique and mesmerizing way.
During the Baroque era, artists like Vivaldi marveled at the natural world and the changing seasons, reflecting a newfound reverence for the power of nature and the universe. Vivaldi's Four Seasons not only showcase his awe‐inspiring descriptions of nature but also demonstrate his innovative musical language, using intricate melodies and harmonies to vividly paint scenes of chirping birds, thunderstorms, and other seasonal phenomena.
The historic Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore, constructed in the 13th century and expanded over time, stands as a significant architectural and cultural landmark in Naples. The rich history of the basilica and the adjacent convent is a testament to the illustrious figures who have left their mark on the city, from philosophers to artists, making it a must‐visit destination for those exploring the ancient center of Naples.
Program
First Part
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 Part
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
Cast / Production
First violin: Elvin Dhimitri
Strings quintet Harpsichord
Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi went down in history as a creator of the instrumental concert genre and the father of orchestral music. He was born in Venice on the 4th of March 1678. Vivaldi was a weak and sickly child suffering from asthma, however could not stop him from devoting himself completely to music. His father, Giovanni Batista a professional violinist, taught his elder son Antonio to play the violin. With his father young Antonio met the best musicians of Venice of that time and gave concerts in local churches. He also worked as a violin teacher and later as a music director at the orphanage Ospedalle della Pieta. Meanwhile he composed concertos, sacred works and vocal music and in 1713 he achieved great recognition with his sacred choral music. Vivaldi got captivated by the world of opera and worked both as opera composer and impresario at the Teatro San Angelo. In 1717 he obtained a prestigious position by the prince court in Manua as a director of secular music and worked there until around 1720. During that time he composed his world-renowned masterpiece The Four Seasons. In the 1730's his career dwindled as his music became unfashionable and the great composer died in poverty. It took the world two centuries to rediscover and reevaluate Vivaldi’s music, as it was buried into oblivion after his death. In the early 20th century many previously unknown works were found and immediately captured the hearts of the music lovers.
Address
Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore, Piazza S. Domenico Maggiore 8A , Naples, Italy — Google Maps
