I recall someone on MusicBanter saying how sick he was of hearing
Vivaldi's Four Seasons, yet I was listening to "Winter" again this morning and felt once more what a great piece it is. There's a reason it is much beloved.
"Winter" is evocative, colorful, emotional, and incredibly energetic. I like it a lot. If a person's mind had to be distilled into one piece of music, the Four Seasons is a pretty good trace to leave of oneself (understatement).
Yet as much fun as it is to listen to this piece, actually playing it is even better! What impresses me about "Winter" is how simple the orchestra parts are, at least for the violins.
Also, while playing in the orchestra one can hear parts within the music that don't project as well in some recordings, which makes performing it even more fun than just listening. For example, the cello has a very dynamic, racing line in the second, sweeter movement. I was surprised to hear the cello playing such an active and interesting part, because it can be somewhat hidden under the rest of the instruments in recordings.
Here's more about Vivaldi (who had red hair!) and the Four Seasons:
Antonio Vivaldi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
VIVALDI: "Four Seasons" Sonnets texts in Italian & English
Vivaldi - "Winter" Violin Concerto from the Four Seasons
^ Ahhh.
