Whenever storm clouds begin to brew, I can't help but to be reminded of Vivaldi's three movements of Summer, from his Le Quattro Stagioni (a.k.a The Four Seasons).
The first movement so perfectly captures all elements of the brewing of the summer storms we experience here in South East Queensland; the slow, initial antagonism of the strings, so perfectly resembling the slow but sure surges of winds that seem to rise and fall, pausing in between. Next comes sure build up of a forceful gale followed by the slow influx of clouds that cover the sky- ranging from green-ish yellows to the blackest greys.
The second movement so perfectly resembles the quite, calm before the storm. All seems well, aside from the occasional lightning strike or blast of thunder- so well portrayed through the music. As the movement progresses, the mood evoked grows quietly calmer, luring listeners into a false sense of security. At the very end, and most lethargic, moment of the second movement, the third movement strikes from nowhere.
The third movement's sudden change in tempo, mood and atmosphere is so very typical of our Summer Storms- thunder, lightning, trees cracking and snapping. I've yet to hear another musical representation of a storm so accurate.
I took this photo at about three this afternoon; it is now after five, and the storm still hasn't hit.
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