Spring is right around the corner! To celebrate, here is a list of some classical music inspired by spring:
“Spring” from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi (1678-1741)
This famous work is part of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons: four violin concerti that evoke images and moods for the corresponding season in nature. “Spring” was published with a poem corresponding to each movement:
Springtime is upon us.
The birds celebrate her return with festive song,
and murmuring streams are
softly caressed by the breezes.
Thunderstorms, those heralds of Spring, roar,
casting their dark mantle over heaven,
Then they die away to silence,
and the birds take up their charming songs once more.On the flower-strewn meadow, with leafy branches
rustling overhead, the goat-herd sleeps,
his faithful dog beside him.Led by the festive sound of rustic bagpipes,
nymphs and shepherds lightly dance
beneath the brilliant canopy of spring.
“Spring” Sonata by Beethoven (Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, op. 24)
While the title “Spring” was given after the composer’s death, Beethoven (1770-1827) did have a love of nature and was greatly inspired by the beauty of the earth. This sonata for violin and piano captures the joy of spring through its cheerful melodies and playful manner. The first movement (1:08) is fun and energetic – the themes develop through a conversation between the two instruments. The second movement (11:50) flows beautifully, contrasting with the playful nature of the first. The third movement (18:10) is a game of musical tag between the violin and piano, and the fourth movement (19:32) is lyrical, light, and spontaneous.
“Rustle of Spring” (Frühlingsrauschen, Op. 32, No. 3) by Christian Sinding
Norwegian composer Sinding (1856-1941) wrote “Rustle of Spring” as a piece meant to entertain, and it accomplishes just that with flashy arpeggios in the right hand placed against a melodious left hand. The constant motion symbolizes the excited restlessness of and anticipation for spring, and the listener is carried away in the imagery of the new season.
Sibelius‘s “Spring Song” (Vårsång)
Sibelius (1865-1957) originally composed this work as an orchestral improvisation in 1894. A year later he reworked it and subtitled it “The Sadness of Spring”. The piece, however, conveys more gladness than sadness; it is filled with grand optimism as it portrays the unfolding of Nordic spring. “Spring Song” opens with a chorale-like theme that is developed and expanded through all moving voices.
Really enjoyed the music! I can see how they would depict Spring, very clever. We are coming into autumn, I’m interested to know whether any composers have done the same for other seasons?
Glad you liked it! I have previously written about music inspired by autumn and winter if you’re interested. 🙂
Oh I am! I’ll take a look, thanks 😊
Awesome list! I love that you included some less known works as well. 🙂 Tchaikovsky also has a set of piano works inspired by the months, and “April” is really reminiscent of spring.
Glad you liked the list! Yes, I love that whole set by Tchaikovsky. There are so many wonderful pieces inspired by spring that I will have to make more lists eventually. 🙂
I’m so happy I found your blog. Classical music is one of the things worth living for. And today was a definite spring time’s beginning.
I’m so happy to hear that you love classical music as well! 🙂
I’ve nominated you for the vesatile bloggers award. Your writing has given me much to consider, thank you! Please have a look at my blog post on this for instructions on how to participate.
I have so many versions of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, I should be embarrassed, but I’m not. However, I’ve never seen violinists play Spring up close before. Mr. Perlman is amazing and this video makes him extraordinary in his playing and directing. I will come back to your post here and play all the selections again. Thank you.
I especially enjoyed the Scandinavian pieces – – like us in the northeast U.S., they understand that spring weather is really grounds for celebration.
I know exactly what you mean! I grew up in Alaska, and spring is always so exciting up there. ☺️ Glad you liked those pieces, they are some of my favorites.
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
I really love classical music. I am glad that I got see your blog. 😊
I’m so glad you like classical music too! 🙂