Aria: Sento in Seno by Vivaldi
Up this week is a wonderful example displaying the use of extended techniques, specifically prepared piano. Prepared piano is when you introduce foreign objects into the piano in order to get different sounds (kids, do not try this at home!). Listen to the first video and then the second. In the first, you can hear violins, violas, cellos, and basses plucking the strings on their instruments to give a light, bouncy sound. Then you hear a very legato voice enter. In the second recording, the piano duo inserts an object into the piano to cause the notes to deaden more quickly. Even though the instruments used are completely different, they both achieve a similar sound and effect.
Composer Biography
March 4th, 1678-July 28th, 1741
Antonio Vivaldo was born in Venice, Italy during the Baroque Period (1600-1750) in music. His father helped him learn to play the violin, often performing together. Continuing with his music study, Antonio also became a priest and became known as the “Red Priest” because of his red hair. He spent most of his time writing music and taught at an orphanage for girls. Vivaldi is often considered the best Italian composer of his time. He wrote concertos, operas, church music and many other compositions. He is most well known for his set of concertos called The Four Seasons.
Questions
- During which period of music did Antonio Vivaldi live?
- Define prepared piano.
- What instrument is featured in each of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos?
Voice with orchestra
Piano duo using prepared piano techniques
Drummond Piano Studio 