Vivaldi’s ‘Summer’ from The Four Seasons
Embracing the Radiance of Summer
As the sun reaches its peak and nature bursts into vibrant colour and activity, summer surrounds us with warmth, energy, and life. It is a season that feels full of movement and vitality. Everything seems to come alive. One of the most fitting ways to celebrate this spirit is through Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Particularly the lively and expressive Summer, which captures the intensity and drama of the season beautifully.
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”
“The Four Seasons” is one of Vivaldi’s most famous pieces. It’s a set of violin concertos that represents the different seasons. Each concerto shows what each season feels like. Out of all four pieces, the one about summer is particularly special. It celebrates the season’s brightness and energy.
The Summer Sonnet
Italian
Allegro non molto
“Sotto dura Staggion dal Sole accesa
Langue l’ huom, langue ‘l gregge, ed arde il Pino;
Scioglie il Cucco la Voce, e tosto intesa
Canta la Tortorella e ‘l gardelino.
Zeffiro dolce Spira, mà contesa
Muove Borea improviso al Suo vicino;
E piange il Pastorel, perche sospesa
Teme fiera borasca, e ‘l suo destino;”
Adagio e piano – Presto e forte
“Toglie alle membra lasse il Suo riposo
Il timore de’ Lampi, e tuoni fieri
E de mosche, e mossoni il Stuol furioso!”
Presto
“Ah che pur troppo i Suo timor Son veri
Tuona e fulmina il Ciel e grandioso
Tronca il capo alle Spiche e a’ grani alteri.”1
English
Allegro non molto
Beneath the blazing sun’s relentless heat
men and flocks are sweltering,
pines are scorched.
We hear the cuckoo’s voice; then sweet songs of the turtle dove and finch are heard.
Soft breezes stir the air….but threatening north wind sweeps them suddenly aside. The shepherd trembles, fearful of violent storm and what may lie ahead.
Adagio e piano – Presto e forte
His limbs are now awakened from their repose by fear of lightning’s flash and thunder’s roar, as gnats and flies buzz furiously around.
Presto
Alas, his worst fears were justified, as the heavens roar and great hailstones beat down upon the proudly standing corn.
The Joy of Summer
In Vivaldi’s “Summer” concerto, the composer creates a vivid musical portrait of the season’s beauty and intensity. From the opening notes, musicians can almost feel the heat of the sun. They can hear the persistent hum of insects in the air as they play. The first movement, with its energetic rhythms and lively melodies, captures the vibrant spirit of summer as nature thrives in the warmth and abundance of the season.
A Musical Storm
Yet, amid the sun-drenched beauty of summer, Vivaldi introduces a striking contrast in the second movement. The music shifts to a darker, more ominous tone as he depicts the approach of a summer storm. Thunderous timpani and rapid, agitated violin passages evoke the storm’s intensity. Musicians draw listeners into its dramatic arrival as it sweeps across the landscape.
The Serenity of Aftermath
Following the storm, the concerto’s final movement returns to calm and serenity. The air feels fresh, the skies clear, and nature emerges renewed after the downpour. Vivaldi captures this sense of restoration beautifully, as the violin players carry a gentle melody over shimmering strings, reflecting the peaceful beauty of a summer evening.
Conclusion: A Musical Celebration of Summer
In Vivaldi’s “Summer” concerto, we hear a vivid celebration of the season’s energy and vibrant beauty. From the lively opening to the dramatic storm in the second movement and the calm, reflective ending, the music captures the full character of summer. As we enjoy the warmth and brightness of the season, it’s the perfect time to experience The Four Seasons and appreciate the atmosphere it so vividly brings to life.
- Italian and English text taken from baroquemusic.org ↩︎
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