Ritornello Concerto Analysis

Antonio Vivaldi, writer of several unique musical pieces throughout his career, was a composer most commonly associated with the Baroque period (ca 1600-1750). He is seen as one of the many artists that helped contribute to this specific era of music. Throughout his career as a composer, Vivaldi did not fail at attempting to incorporate the Ritornello form, seen throughout the majority of the Baroque period, into many of his works. Vivaldi is most commonly known for his violin concerto “Spring”, which is one of the four concerto pieces in the series The Four Seasons. Alongside “Spring”, Vivaldi also composed and incorporated the concerto “Summer” into the series. Formally known as Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8, no. 2, “Summer” is a Baroque concerto that follows after many other pieces throughout the Baroque period. Like many of his other pieces, the concerto stays true to it’s Baroque style and ritornello form, but it is best understood, explained, and enjoyed with the support of Vivaldi’s poem.
In retrospect, a concerto is a piece that can be performed by a single instrumental soloists, known as a solo concerto, or by small groups of instrumental soloists, known as a concerto grosso. …show more content…
Although useful, the piece can stand alone and make sense without the poem due to how Vivaldi constructed the piece. Therefore, the poem brings a new level of understanding and, consequently, is a useful feature. Vivaldi’s poem is a key element that further supports the depth of the story behind the piece. Overall, the violin concerto is a great piece and one of Vivaldi’s better works throughout the