Continuous movement on violins and viola suggest the gentle rustling of the leaves. Give three examples of word-painting in the second movement. Fast, repeated notes on the strings with rapid scales suggest the thunder and lightning and a storm. Flowing semiquavers played on violins suggest a murmuring stream. Mordents, trills and fast descending demi-semi-quavers suggest birdsong. A concerto is a musical composition for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra usually in three movements Give three examples of word-painting in the first movement. Where was Vivaldi born? Venice What type of composition is 'Spring' and 'The Four Seasons'? The Four Seasons are four concertos for solo violin Explain the term concerto. imitation The repetition of a melody in a polyphonic texture shortly after its first appearance in a different voice What year was Vivaldi born? He was born in 1678 What instrument did Vivaldi play? He was an accomplished violinist What year did Vivaldi die? He died in 1741. It shows off the range of the instrument and the skill of the performer. Cadenza An improvised or written out ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist. Basso Continuo an accompanying bass line, usually played by a keyboard instrument, cello and double bass.

Four seasons composition