French, Hannah - The Rolling Year

On the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons', broadcaster and musicologist Dr Hannah French embraces the art of listening seasonally in her exploration of this classic work. Whether engaging with seasonal music on-the-go or with new-found focus and curiosity, listening habits can ground us in the year and remind us not only of stability amid change, but that messages of hope and comfort are always there if you stop to look for them. ‘The Four Seasons’, Antonio Vivaldi’s famous set of highly descriptive violin concertos, was published 300 years ago, but the themes it contains continue to reveal new truths to listeners today. Through the rich imagery of each concerto and its accompanying poetry, Dr Hannah French uncovers the detail of Vivaldi’s personal and creative life. In conversation with fellow musicians and experts in health, nature, food, wine, and science, she helps bring a new perspective to the music through our shared experiences of the joys and fears of the ever-evolving seasons. To spend a year in the company of Vivaldi is to witness the sounds of both ancient festivals and the beauty and brutality of the natural world – a rolling year that enhances our sensory experience of the seasons today.