The Four Seasons Trivia Questions

They are violin concertos, not symphonies, each following the fast-slow-fast three-movement concerto form typical of the Baroque era.

Vivaldi was ordained in 1703 and nicknamed 'Il Prete Rosso' for his red hair, though he stopped saying Mass due to health issues.

Vivaldi uses rapid repeated notes and trills in the violin to mimic shivering and chattering teeth, as described in the accompanying sonnet.

It was composed for a small Baroque chamber ensemble—solo violin, strings, and continuo—not a large modern symphony orchestra.

It was largely forgotten after Vivaldi's death until its revival in the 20th century, becoming a hit only in modern times.

All four concertos are in major keys: Spring in E major, Summer in G minor, Autumn in F major, Winter in F minor. Only two are major.

In 'Spring,' the viola imitates a barking dog, and in 'Autumn,' the music portrays a drunken peasant falling asleep.

The sonnets describing each season are believed to have been written by Vivaldi himself, as they appear in the original score with explicit cues.