Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

The seventh book in Celenza’s music appreciation series is based upon Vivaldi’s time as a music instructor at a Venetian orphanage. Vivaldi (1678–1741) encourages the orphans to envision stories behind the melodies, but his nontraditional methods cost him his position. As Vivaldi’s fame blossoms, however, the chief governor invites him to visit the orphanage and to write compositions for the girls, which leads to the debut of The Four Seasons. Kitchel’s watercolors blend natural and architectural forms, while the musicians’ wide faces echo the contours of their instruments. Includes a CD recording of The Four Seasons. Ages 6–9. (July)