Tchaikovsky's 'The Seasons' Op. 37a is a collection of twelve piano pieces, each composed for a different month of the year between 1875 and 1876, and published in a St. Petersburg music magazine.
Compositional Technique
Each of Vivaldi's Four Seasons concertos is accompanied by a narrative sonnet that describes the specific aspects of the season, providing an excuse for onomatopoeic imitations of seasonal sounds.
Composition History
Vivaldi's The Four Seasons are part of a larger collection of twelve concertos titled 'Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'invenzione' Op. 8, published in 1725.
Cultural Impact
The traditional Catalan folk song 'El cant dels ocells' (The Song of the Birds) became a symbol of peace and a hymn to Catalonia thanks to Pablo Casals, who often performed it as an encore.
Recording & Production
This recording of The Four Seasons includes percussion instruments not found in Vivaldi's original score, added to reinforce certain sound effects.
Interpretation
Luka Faulisi and the {oh!} Orkiestra Historyczna aimed to create a 'film-like' recording of The Four Seasons, focusing on capturing emotions and atmospheres rather than just another version.
Performer Biography
Luka Faulisi, the violinist on this recording, shares several biographical traits with Vivaldi: his father is Italian, both are violinists, and both are Catholic.
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