SoundWaves with The Florida Orchestra

Program Notes: Vivaldi's The Four Seasons

Episode 11

Is it possible to find someone who cannot hum a bit of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons -- arguably one of the most enduring works of all time? Vivaldi presents a musical travelogueof spring, summer, autumn and winter, complete with bird songs, shimmering creeks, a thunderstorm, peasant’s dance and a freezing ice storm. It’s exuberant and captivating every time. Another masterpiece on the program is Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, one of three symphonies that he completed in just six weeks in the summer of 1788. The opening has been described as “so majestic that it so surprised even the coldest, most insensitive listener.” 

These audio program notes include music excerpts.

Masterworks 11 of the 24/25 Season
Performances April 4 & 5, 2025