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Saturday, April 8, 2017

Musical Interlude

(For politics, please scroll down)

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3, Concerto No. 11 in D minor for two violins, cello and strings by Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741):


Happy weekend! Happy Spring!

7 comments:

  1. Glorious! Vivaldi at his hyper-kinetic-lyric best. Any interpretation inolving Trevor Pinnock, either as harpsichordist or conductor, is bound to be exceptionally fine.

    Vivaldi, known in his time as "The Red Priest," because of his flaming red hair and beard, has been jokingly criticized for "writing the same piece hundreds of times." As a journeyman composer, myself, I can understand how this remark might have originated, –– Vivaldi did write pretty muc to formula, but so did everyone else in the Baroque Era –– including Bach and Handel. Nevertheless, I have always found Vivaldi's work refreshing and exhilarating.

    I enjoyed this particular concerto much more than I have The Seasons, which have grown so famous, they've become hackneyed, –– even when performed exceptionally well by great masters.

    May I assume the paintings and etchings in the background are by Canaletto (1697-1798)? No one has ever painted with greater attention to detail. Virtually every brick, every stone, every tile, the reflections from every pane of glass, and the minutest features of the crowds of people he painted are beautifully realized in meticulous detail. Much of his work seems more accurate even than the best photographs.

    A lovely respite from politics!

    Thanks, AOW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FT
      I hope that others who stop by here will also appreciate this selection as a respite from politics.

      Delete
  2. You're correct about Canaletto, FreeThinke.

    I recognized his Grand Canal Looking East and The Doge's Palace with the Piazza San Marco . He certainly could convey the grandeur of Venice.

    His only peer was Francesco Guardi.

    I always find Vivaldi energizing too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The "Grandeur of Venice" looks (and smells) much better on canvas than in real life...

      Delete
    2. I was indeed grand in the 16th century and Venetian painting was every bit the equal of Florentine.

      Today? From my one visit, I'd agree with you although I enjoyed it immensely.

      Delete
  3. By the Adriatic waters Venetian sons and daughters
    Are strumming a new tune upon their guitars.
    It was written by a Latin, a Latin from Manhattan
    Who sat in his home out in Brooklyn out under the stars.
    He sent his melody across the sea to Italy,
    And we know they wrote some words to fit that catchy bit
    And christened it the Piccolino.
    And we know that it's the reason why
    Ev'ryone this season is strumming and humming a new melody.
    Come to the Casino and hear them play the Piccolino.
    Dance with your bambino to the strains of the catchy Piccolino.
    Drink your glass of Vino, and when you've had your plate of Scallopino,
    Make them play the Piccolino, the catchy Piccolino.
    And dance to the strains of that new melody, the Piccolino.


    ~ Berlin, introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - Top Hat - 1935

    ReplyDelete

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