For this project, you must
listen to the first movement of Vivaldi's famous
work "Spring" from The Four Seasons.
The selection is available on Blackboard to listen to online.
What is a
concerto? What does the word
"concertare" mean?
What is the most
common form for a Baroque concerto (number of movements and speed plan)?
What are The
Four Seasons by Vivaldi?
The recurring
theme in a Baroque concerto is called a Ritornello (as in a theme that
"returns" throughout the movement). Describe this opening theme using your understanding of the
Elements of Music. Use terms of
pitch, duration, dynamics, and timbre, as well as any other significant
features you hear.
This is called a
"Programmatic" concerto.
What does the word programmatic mean? Give examples of its use throughout this work. Does knowing these details help your
enjoyment of the work?
After each
Ritornello is an Episode where the soloist is featured. Some of these are cadenzas. How do an episode and a proper cadenza
differ?
Now that you have
listened to this musical selection (hopefully several times), describe in your
own words how this work follows the six characteristics of Baroque music as
explained in class and the textbook.
Comment specifically on the following:
Continuous melody
Vigorous rhythm
Terraced dynamics
Unity of mood
Polyphonic
texture
Chords,
dissonance & the basso continuo.