The Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni)
Antonio Vivaldi
Work background
Researched classical background
These four violin concertos depict spring, summer, autumn, and winter through music linked to accompanying sonnets. They opened Vivaldi's twelve-concerto Op. 8 publication. Bird calls, a barking dog, storms, and wintry movement become instrumental gestures. This entry groups the four concertos for discovery; they are separate three-movement works, rather than one song or a specified recording.
Inspiration and creative background
The accompanying sonnets and performance directions explicitly associate the music with seasonal scenes and events.
The Four Seasons - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the solo violin's changing role in each season and follow the recurring orchestral refrains.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo violin, strings, and basso continuo
Publication: 1725
The four concertos circulated earlier; 1725 is the documented publication year, not a verified single composition date.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Le quattro stagioni; Spring; Summer; Autumn; Winter
Date, title and version notes
The individual concertos have no single securely established composition year.
The Four Seasons - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
The Four Seasons - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.