Comprised of four violin concertos written by Antonio Vivaldi in 1723, The Four Seasons is probably the Baroque composer's best-known work. Each of the four concerti is based on a sonnet —supposedly written by Vivaldi himself. Each sonnet is divided into three sections (fast, slow, fast), which correspond with the three movements in each concerto. Read the "Summer" sonnet and listen to each movement of The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "L'estate" (Summer)
SUMMER SONNET
1st Movement ("Summer") Allegro non molto
Under the harsh season's blazing sun, men and flocks languish and pines are scorched. We hear the call of the cuckoo, followed by sweet songs of the turtle dove and finch. Gentle western breezes blow...until the ominous north winds suddenly sweep them away. The little shepherd sobs in fear of the violent storm...and his destiny.
Nigel Kennedy - Vivaldi "Summer" 1st Movement:
http://youtu.be/4iJ40CeY7y4
2nd Movement ("Summer") Adagio e piano - Presto e forte
His tired limbs are roused from rest, frightened by the lightning bolts and roaring thunder, as flies and gnats swarm furiously.
Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi "Summer" 2nd Movement:
3rd Movement ("Summer") Presto
Alas, his worst fears are realized, as huge hailstones fall from the roaring heavens, cutting the heads from the proudly standing grain.
Gidon Kremer: Vivaldi "Summer" 3rd Movement:
http://youtu.be/i-7GXPDVSWY