BRONZE

1. This is a series of 4 short violin concertos, each representing a different season. Name 2 things from each concerto that clearly represent that season.

2. In ‘Summer’ - why do you think Vivaldi uses both fast and slow music. What could they represent?

3. Pick your favourite season, and your favourite movement from that season’s concerto. Draw a picture that captures both the mood of the music and the season.

4. Name 3 instruments you can hear playing the accompanying parts (i.e. not the solo violin).

5. Pick one moment that you think represents weather and another that represents wildlife. Why are they different?

SILVER

1. Which period of music do you think these concertos belong to? Use 5 musical features to back up your point.

2. To what extent do you think that the solo part could only be played by a violin, and no other instrument? Do you think some instruments might work differently to others?

3. Can you spot any parallels between different seasons? Why do you think Vivaldi does this?

4. Choose a movement and follow the bass/cello part. How does it interact with the higher parts and the melody?

5. Choose another movement and draw a structure map. Include each theme that you can hear, where it reappears and how it might have changed each time.

GOLD

1. How far do you agree that this piece should be played in only a strict Baroque fashion?

2. Compose 4 short movements for any instruments, each representing a season. Try not to directly copy Vivaldi.

3. How far do you agree that this music is entirely programmatic and should only be viewed as such?

4. What is the role of the harpsichord in the ensemble?

5. Write a few paragraphs on how Vivaldi uses texture to create musical imagery. Select at least one example from each season.