ZYKLUS YURY REVICH – Classic Revolution –VIVALDI

An interactive narrative exploring the innovative power of Vivaldi’s »Four Seasons« and their influence on his contemporaries as well as on subsequent generations of violinists and composers. A milestone in early programmatic music, composed for the all-female ensemble of the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, the work expanded the expressive possibilities of the violin, shaped the development of violin technique and influenced the music of the late Baroque and early Classical periods. Giuseppe Tartini’s »Devil’s Trill Sonata« reflects the era’s fascination with virtuosity, expression and the supernatural, pushing the technical and imaginative boundaries of the violin even further.

At the same time, the programme reflects the sweeping cultural changes of the 18th century and introduces figures such as Joseph Bologne, Ignatius Sancho and George Bridgetower, whose works highlight the often-overlooked contributions of composers and performers of African descent to European art music.

The »Four Seasons« embody a spirit of innovation that emerged within new musical and social structures and expanded the traditional boundaries of composition.

The programme also explores the programmatic dimension of Vivaldi’s compositions, including the accompanying sonnets that describe scenes of nature. These elements are further embodied through vocal percussion and soundscapes, transforming the narrative into a contemporary sound experience and allowing Vivaldi’s music to be experienced, in part, within a new artistic context.