Vivaldi, Winter, Four Seasons (RV 397) 1. Allegro

The first movement of Antonio Vivaldi's "Winter" (from The Four Seasons)), performed by the orchestra of the US Air Force Band.
FAQ

Q: I appreciate your work; how can I support it?
A: There are several ways:
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Q: Where can I get free sheet music of this piece (opus 8 #4, RV297)?
A: Here

Q: Where can I get this recording?
A: Here (right-click this link to download it):
or, that doesn't work, try this:

Q: How did you get the animation synchronized with the recording?
A: First I entered the score into the notation program Sibelius. Then, I made a half-speed version of the recording (with the Amazing Slow-Downer software), and adjusted the notation to match (added the ornaments, shortened notes, mistakes made by the performers, etc). Then, while listening to the half-speed recording, I recorded a MIDI click-track. Finally, I fed the score and the click-track into some software I wrote, which adjusted the timings of score to match the click-track. The adjusted version of the score is what my animation software takes as input.

Q: Is there a way I could make the bar-graph scores myself?
A: The Music Animation Machine MIDI file player will generate this display; you can get the (Windows) software here:
There are lots of places on the web where you can get MIDI files; I usually go to the Classical Archives site first:

Q: Why don't you show the notes of the harpsichord?
A: There are various reasons, some aesthetic, some practical, some conceptual. Vivaldi did not write a harpsichord part; it was the practice at the time for the harpsichord player to improvise a part from the bass line. The notes of the harpsichord are often harder to hear than the notes of the bowed strings, so it would have been difficult to transcribe them from the recording. In a large ensemble like this, the role of the harpsichord is akin to the role of the rhythm section in a large jazz band, in which the pitches aren't as important as the timing, holding the group together. And the notes of the harpsichord aren't as interesting visually as those of the bowed strings.

Q: Could you please do a video of ______?
A: Please read this:

[MozartianObsessor]

The US Air Force Band plays this really well. Very admirable.

[EEEER]

TO IMAGINE: this came out of someone mind is mind blowing. This is not music, these are emotions, thought been presented in audible format. Every note evokes emotion.

[younebi]

Winter is the best season from Vivaldi. Dark and Powerful!

[dmsviola]

I can never get over how perfectly this piece captures the seasons. I always feel a bit chillier listening to it.

[homerilias]

Respect to the US-Air Force Orchestra! I find this an marvelous performance - actually my most favourite recording of this piece!

[notanumber]

Quite possibly the best thing the USAF has given the world.

[maryam-hrsx]

My 2nd grade music teacher brought me here and I am thankful for it. Mrs. Brooks, thank you.

[unseriousbusiness]

I remember when this video was barely a year old. I was eleven and my first violin teacher showed it to me in order to demonstrate rhythm or something. I was so enraptured by the animations that I binge watched a good dozen videos the moment I got home (by the way thank you, unnamed music teacher, for introducing me to the channel).

[raphaelneves]

This is the best version I've heard so far. Thank you.

[sallymj]

It’s amazing to “see“ 16th notes contrasted with eighth notes and quarter notes. Beginning cello player. I love this kind of music animation.

[GallonTalon]

Damn, its hard not to tear up, its just too beautiful

[Gabibschulz]

This is the best version of this song. After I heard this orchestra, I can't hear anyone else playing this music.

[MachDoch]

unbelievable, what an piece of art..and such a pleasure for your mind and soul

[isobelmildenhall]

I listened to this in class and now I listen to it at home I love the emotion in this piece and I’m starting to enjoy Baroque Period Music. I find the animated notes very helpful for understanding it. Thanks for making this!

[swiralgod]

The way this piece finishes up is one of the best things I've ever heard.

[andresrogers]

one of the greatest harmonic sequences ever written in this piece

[kckdude]

I've listened to this piece so many times. This is the first time I see it animated, and I really like it. It's so organized and the patterns are so clear... :O

[moody]

Really pleaseant for your ears such fine piece of music....cant describe how well the gentleman managed to revive this piece of art....not that it died eitherway.

[rosebud]

I am a very visual person, and I want to thank you for adding another dimension to music that I already knew and appreciated. My love for these pieces has deepened because of the little nuances that I now can "see" as well as hear. Pure mastery on your part. I think you are simply a brilliant artist in your own right and I thank you for sharing your gift.

[Taterzz]

the most underplayed movement in the four seasons by vivaldi, and underappreciated.