Well we didn't actually cover Vivaldi today in my Music History class, but it's nearing I can feel it. It's also probably because I'm retaking the course so I already know the basic outline of the material and know he should be coming up...or that was the one I missed and we've already talked about him...

Either way, he was a great composer and musician. Today I've decided to feature one of his concertos written among a group known as L'estro Armonico, Op.3. It is perhaps the work that allowed Europe to recognize Vivaldi's inherent genius and hisreputation among composers was born. One even quoted the Op.3 Concertos as Vivaldi's most Celebrated Concertos

The name L'estro Armonico, figures into several different translations, but the one I find relatively suitable is "The Harmonic Fantasy." Though really, it's rather difficult naming compositions unless the name truly befits the reputation it creates.

In total there were 12 concertos Vivaldi wrote varying for 1-4 solo violinists with strings and a continuo accompaniment.


The First Movement

The Second Movement

the Third Movement


The Concerto I have featured is my personal favorite out of all them, and that is E Major #12 concerto, RV. 265. It's harmonies are brilliant and the ornamentation provided by the soloist are supreme. Plus the work itself possesses a vitality that is easily seen in the up tempo allegro of the third movement. The harmonic progression in that movement is perhaps what drew me.


Off to class I go. Time to sing Brahms, it would work if I was a singer or had a somewhat appreciative voice.