Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - Winter RV297

ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741) “Le Quattro Stagioni“: Concerto for solo violin, strings and basso continuo in F minor “L’inverno“ Op. 8 No. 4 “Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione“ 1. Allegro non molto 2. Largo 3. Allegro - Lento - Allegro Sonnet: (Italiano) Aggiacciato tremar trà nevi algenti Al Severo Spirar d’ orrido Vento, Correr battendo i piedi ogni momento; E pel Soverchio gel batter i denti; Passar al foco i di quieti e contenti Mentre la pioggia fuor bagna ben cento Caminar Sopra il giaccio, e à passo lento Per timor di cader gersene intenti; Gir forte Sdruzziolar, cader à terra Di nuove ir Sopra ’l giaccio e correr forte Sin ch’ il giaccio si rompe, e si disserra; Sentir uscir dalle ferrate porte Sirocco Borea, e tutti i Venti in guerra Quest’ é ’l verno, mà tal, che gioia apporte. Sonnet: (English) Shivering, frozen mid the frosty snow in biting, stinging winds; running to and fro to stamp one’s icy feet, teeth chattering in the bitter chill. To rest contentedly beside the hearth, while those outside are drenched by pouring rain. We tread the icy path slowly and cautiously, for fear of tripping and falling. Then turn abruptly, slip, crash on the ground and, rising, hasten on across the ice lest it cracks up. We feel the chill north winds course through the home despite the locked and bolted doors... this is winter, which nonetheless brings its own delights. Performed by Concerto Italiano Featuring Francesca Vicari, violin Conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini