dccclxiv. TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET: Variations on "Winter" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons

dccclxiv. TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET

Variations on "Winter" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons (1997)
1. Thin Ice (3:36)
2. Texas Rain (4:51)
3. Snow What (3:40)
David Balakrishnan, violin, baritone violin
Evan Price, violin
Danny Seidenberg, viola, violin
Mark Summer, cello

Seidenberg's adaptation:

1. Thin Ice

Imagine Mr. Vivaldi alive today, living in America, and hearing today's popular music. Imagine the influence of America's musical multi-culture. The Four Seasons may have been a little different. From ominous wind-chimes that herald a change in the weather, to hard rock, tango and a bossa nova beat, the "Winter" concerto is reconsidered.

2. Texas Rain

Now Antonio travels to the New World to teach at an all-girls' school in Texas. Perhaps along the way he meets Bill Monroe or maybe Elvis. It's the gentle rain of the prairie and the lilting sound of the Texas fiddle, along with some original, stately and dignified traveling music. Get along little dogie.

3. Snow What

After a late-breaking news flash, the furious storms arrive with the howling winds of manic improvisations mixed with intricate reconstructions of Vivaldi's original chart. But of course, after all, the holiday spirit is what truly defines the winter season. And to all a good night.