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Why should you listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons"? - Betsy Schwarm

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TEDEd Animation

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Light, bright, and cheerful, "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi is some of the most familiar of all early 18th century music, featured in numerous films and television commercials. But what is its significance, and why does it sound that way? Betsy Schwarm uncovers the underlying narrative of this musical masterpiece.

Vivaldi was composing at a time in history when there had been major improvements to the ways in which string instruments were made, allowing them to sound stronger and be capable of playing even more difficult music. In part for this reason, he chose to focus nearly all of his compositions on strings instruments, such as violins and cellos. In what other ways have technological developments brought new ideas into the music business, even in recent years?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Betsy Schwarm
  • Director Vessela Dantcheva, Ivan Bogdanov
  • Animator Vessela Dantcheva, Ivan Bogdanov
  • Illustrator Vessela Dantcheva, Ivan Bogdanov
  • Producer Vessela Dantcheva
  • Sound Designer Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Composer Antonio Vivaldi
  • Music Performance Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Narrator Betsy Schwarm

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