The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons are without question among the most famous compositions in Vivaldi’s oeuvre – perhaps even in all Baroque music. They comprise four concertos for violin, strings and bass continuo to which Vivaldi himself gave the programmatic titles “Spring”, “Summer”, “Autumn” and “Winter”. Each is preceded by a poem that presents the mood and scene of the season, which Vivaldi then depicts brilliantly in music – from thunder and lightning to birdsong and even a barking dog …

This Henle Urtext edition offers all four concertos in a single volume, and reflects the latest research. The preface has been written by Federico Maria Sardelli, one of the world’s most renowned Vivaldi experts. The edition draws on the first edition organised by Vivaldi himself and also on several contemporary manuscript copies, with important variants clearly presented.

The practical and perfectly prepared orchestral parts also include a continuo part realised by early music specialist Wolfgang Kostujak and thus leave nothing to be desired. In addition to the performance material, a study score (HN 7020) and a piano reduction (HN 1020) are also available.