Vivaldi: The Four Seasons in St. Stephens Cathedral

In this concert of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral, listen to the gentle winds and violent thunderstorms, bird voices and the barking of a dog, the hunting and a farmer's dance that Vivaldi composed into his music. Vivaldi knew like no other how to create musical images that stimulate the imagination and captivate the audience.

Where would it be more fitting to perform Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons“ - a parable of life and death - than in St. Stephen's Cathedral, where his funeral festivities were celebrated after the composer's death in 1741? In 1740, a poor Vivaldi arrived in Vienna, with high hopes for patronage from the Emperor. Only ten months after his arrival, Vivaldi passed away and was therefore buried in Vienna.

J. S. Bach's Violin Concerto in E major compliments the programme, taking Vivaldi's concertos as a model. It therefore contains hints of Vivaldi on the one hand, and Bach's unmistakable musical spirit with virtuoso solos on the other. The dialogue between the strings and the soloist creates an entertaining and lively concert experience that wonderfully rounds off Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Performers:

Harmonia Ensemble Vienna

The Harmonia Ensemble Vienna was formed to pass on masterful interpretations to the next generation, to mix great experience with young esprit, to let the joy of making music together spill over to the audience and to prepare and arrange programs with great attention to detail.

The musicians of the ensemble consist of experienced chamber musicians who are and have been members of renowned string quartets and piano trios for many years - many of them teach at universities and music schools - , soloists with great successes in international competitions, and graduates, some of whom have studied with the experienced ensemble members. The ensemble can be expanded with wind and vocal soloists, which significantly enriches the repertoire.

In the Harmonia Ensemble, the musicians are united by the joy of making music together. For years they have supported the Vienna St. Stephen‘s Cathedral with their very successful Summer and Advent concerts.

duration: 60 Minutes, no intermission

programme

J. S. Bach
Violinkonzert Nr. 2 in E-Dur (BWV 1042)
A. Vivaldi
Die vier Jahreszeiten (op. 8)

Place

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Vienne – Le symbole de la ville et un chef-d'œuvre de l'architecture gothique

La Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, surnommée affectueusement "Steffl", est le monument le plus emblématique de Vienne et l'une des constructions gothiques les plus importantes d'Europe. Située au cœur de la ville, sur Stephansplatz, elle impressionne par sa tour sud imposante (136,4 mètres), son toit coloré en tuiles et sa façade richement ornée.

Depuis sa construction au XIIᵉ siècle, la cathédrale est le centre spirituel de Vienne, témoignant de son histoire et de son patrimoine culturel. À l'intérieur, les visiteurs peuvent admirer ses magnifiques autels, ses vitraux artistiques et la célèbre cloche "Pummerin". Les catacombes, où reposent de nombreuses figures historiques, sont également un point d'intérêt majeur.

En plus de sa fonction religieuse, la Cathédrale Saint-Étienne est un lieu prestigieux pour des concerts de musique classique, des récitals d’orgue et des cérémonies solennelles.

Accès en transports publics

Métro:

• U1, U3 Station Stephansplatz – accès direct à la cathédrale

Tramway:

• Lignes 1, 2, 71, D (arrêt Kärntner Ring, Oper) – environ 5 minutes à pied

Bus:

• Lignes 1A, 2A, 3A (arrêt Stephansplatz)

Grâce à son emplacement central dans le premier arrondissement de Vienne, la cathédrale est facilement accessible depuis toute la ville.

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Vienne – Un monument historique d’une beauté intemporelle

Que ce soit comme lieu de culte, monument historique ou salle de concert, la Cathédrale Saint-Étienne impressionne par son architecture, son histoire et son importance culturelle, faisant d’elle l’un des édifices les plus impressionnants d’Europe.