Scooter Chronicles

Antonio Vivaldi - “The Four Seasons”
Performed by Musici di Zagreb

Tracks:

1. The Spring - 1st Movement
2. The Spring - 2nd Movement
3. The Spring - 3rd Movement
4. The Summer - 1st Movement
5. The Summer - 2nd Movement
6. The Summer - 3rd Movement
7. The Autumn - 1st Movement
8. The Autumn - 2nd Movement
9. The Autumn - 3rd Movement
10. The Winter - 1st Movement
11. The Winter - 2nd Movement
12. The Winter - 3rd Movement

My introduction to classical music came from the movie “Amadeus”. But a flame from my past gave me this CD of Vivaldi’s most famous work not too long after. I have since broadened my horizons considerably since Marcia has been a part of my life, given her love of classical music. But this has remained one of my favorite pieces.

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

I am not as well versed in classical music as I am in other types/genres that I listen to. But I do know that some feel that this piece was ahead of it’s time. (Actually, I should say pieces, because they were written to be separate three movement concertos.) The reason some think this is because the music was to represent something on such a large scale. I can’t say that I hear exactly what I am supposed to hear, but I do get the feeling that the four different seasons are well represented by Vivaldi’s compositions.

I can hear the newness of Spring. Or the harsh storms of summer (done without tympani, I might add). The brisk feeling of autumn. And the cold winds of winter.

Some of you not familiar with classical music may have heard some of these works, or parts of them at least. The first movements of both Spring and Autumn and the third movement of Spring have been used countless times. Spring seems to always represent a rich, cultured, pompous atmosphere, especially in cartoons like Looney Tunes. Also, there is a section from the third movement of Summer that a TV production company used in the 80’s and 90’s. I can’t remember the name, but it usually preceded Ubu productions. (Come on, you at least should remember Ubu! “Sit Ubu sit. Good dog. WOOF!”) Also a section of Winter’s first movement was used in American Airlines commercials during the early to mid 90’s.

Well, I have talked more of where you might have heard it or the history of the music, then the actual music itself. But I think it truly speaks for itself. It is hard to describe how music can sound like the seasons they are written to represent, other then to say exactly that. Go have yourself a listen.