This symphony has its beginnings in one of Vaughn William’s most celebrated scores, Scott of the Antarctic (1947-48). We should remember that Vaughn Williams was a composer who wrote a large number of film scores. The symphony is written in five contrasting movements scored for a large orchestra, soprano soloist and chorus. 7 ‘The Antarctic’ by Ralph Vaughn WilliamsĬomposed from 1949-52, this is a late period work from the most evocative of composers. The music parallels in intensity and the demands it places on the soloist but it is undoubtedly a contemporary four-movement work that stands on its own.Ģ. Instead, Glass leaves the interpretation of the seasons up to the listener. Whilst Vivaldi’s work makes use of a text that describes the seasons, Glass chose not to include any programmatic element.

In requesting this second concerto from Glass Duffie asked for it to be a companion piece to the work of the Baroque master. What you’ll immediately notice is the synthesizer that plays a harpsichord-like sound close to Vivaldi‘s continuo, but distant enough to provide a suitably modern edge.įrom the title, you will also have linked Vivaldi’s famous concerto grosso The Four Seasons.

It is his second Violin Concerto composed for the virtuoso violinist Robert Duffie who is featured in this recording linked above.Īfter a few minutes of solo cadenza for the soloist, the work begins its first movement. The premiere of this work was in Toronto in December 2009.

The American Four Seasons by Philip Glass We hope that our collection of the best pieces of classical music about nature fills your heart and your ears with color, excitement, and a sense of rebirth. Through the evocation of birds and animals, the illustration of rain and thunder or the sound of the waves, nature seems to be an infinite source of inspiration for composers.

Vivaldi four seasons autumn piano