Vivaldi's Four Seasons

May 21, 2012
The seventh book in Celenza’s music appreciation series is based upon Vivaldi’s time as a music instructor at a Venetian orphanage. Vivaldi (1678–1741) encourages the orphans to envision stories behind the melodies, but his nontraditional methods cost him his position. As Vivaldi’s fame blossoms, however, the chief governor invites him to visit the orphanage and to write compositions for the girls, which leads to the debut of The Four Seasons. Kitchel’s watercolors blend natural and architectural forms, while the musicians’ wide faces echo the contours of their instruments. Includes a CD recording of The Four Seasons. Ages 6–9.

July 1, 2012

Gr 2-5-It is a fact that Vivaldi taught and composed music for a Venetian girls' orphanage that had a renowned student orchestra. It is speculation that he wrote The Four Seasons especially for the girls of the Ospedale della Pieta, but it makes a nice story. The bumpy relationship between the teacher and the school board lends the story tension, while the student musicians (many of whom were disabled) offer human interest. The lyrical description of the spring concerto brings the music to life, and the sonnets Vivaldi wrote for each season are included at the back. An author's note separates fact from fiction. The watercolor illustrations are pleasant, but somewhat sleepy even in dramatic moments. Beyond the matching uniforms, the faces and hair of the students all look similar. Vivaldi, nicknamed Father Redhead by the girls, appears with dark auburn hair indistinguishable from the hair of most of the students. Music lovers and history buffs will enjoy this entry in Charlesbridge's series of music-history picture books.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

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