Vivaldi & Guido: The Four Seasons at Versailles

Versailles, Versailles Palace — Opéra Royal

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About the Event

Two set of Four Seasons performed in the prestigious Royal Opera of Versailles.

PROGRAMME

Henry Purcell (1659‐1695)
Timon of Athens (Timon d’Athènes) : Curtain Tune (Air du rideau)

Antonio Vivaldi
Primavera : Allegro – Largo – Allegro

Giovanni Guido
Le Printemps : Le temps vole – Chaque saison s’enfuit – Les ruisseaux – Muzete – Danse des Bergers
L’Este : L’air s’enflamme – Zéphire desparoit – Chant des Coucous – Vole à notre secours O ! Cérès adorable – Un violent orage

Antonio Vivaldi
L’Estate : Allegro non molto allegro – Adagio presto adagio – Presto

Giovanni Guido
L’Automne : La Chasse

Antonio Vivaldi
L’Autunno : Allegro – Adagio molto – Allegro

Giovanni Guido
L’Hyver : La saison des frimats – Les riantes fêtes – Laissons gronder les vents

Antonio Vivaldi
L’Inverno : Allegro non molto – Largo – Allegro

Program

Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons

Program is subject to change

Cast / Production

Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal
Under the patronage of Aline Foriel‐Destezet
Stefan Plewniak Solo violin and conducting

Versailles Palace

Marvel at the lavish grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, a huge Baroque complex comprising a former royal residence, incredible gardens, spectacular fountains, and the Museum of the History of France. The complex stretches over 787 hectares and is a major UNESCO World Heritage Site. Restoration began in 1892, and although interrupted by both World Wars, among other cataclysmic events, continues today. Visitors should devote a whole day to Versailles, with its abundance of attractions. Deservedly, the most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors - a 70 metre gallery decorated with 17 huge mirrors that reflect the opposite windows and their garden views. However, the Royal Opera of Versailles is another of the Palace's gems. Its' wooden interior (painted to look like marble) means that the opera house boasts superb acoustics, as well as the finest décor. Treat yourself to the best of classical music amidst the opulence of this world-famous palace!

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

Versailles Palace, Place d’Armes, Versailles, France — Google Maps