Vivaldi Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3 Autumn

Vivaldi Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3 Autumn

Abigail Wilensky, violin
Jefferson Baroque Orchestra

September 22nd, 2024 - Autumnal Equinox
Ashland, OR

Jefferson Baroque Orchestra is an ensemble of musicians who are passionate about performing music from the Baroque era (1600 - 1750) on instruments from that time, or instruments that have been modified to be historically accurate. Abigail is performing on a modern instrument made by Alex Buktenika, with no shoulder rest, and the chin rest has been removed. The E, A and D strings are made of lamb's gut, and she is using a Baroque style bow.

The orchestra is tuned to A = 415 Hz.

I. Allegro (Ballo, e canto de' villanelli)
II. Adagio Molto (Ubriachi dormienti)
III. Allegro (La Caccia)

Vivaldi's Autumn concerto captures the spirit of the season. He included descriptions of three different scenes, represented by the three different movements. These descriptions are below:

I. Allegro--
The peasants celebrate with dance and song,
The joy of a rich harvest.
And, full of Bacchus's liquor,
They finish their celebration with sleep.

II. Adagio molto--
Each peasant ceases his dance and song.
The mild air gives pleasure,
And the season invites many
To enjoy a sweet slumber.

III. Allegro--
The hunters, at the break of dawn, go to the hunt.
With horns, guns, and dogs they are off,
The beast flees, and they follow its trail.
Already fearful and exhausted by the great noise,
Of guns and dogs, and wounded,
The exhausted beast tries to flee, but dies.