Candlelight Concert’s “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons”

Originally published on social media on July 20th, 2024

In the last year, I’ve seen ads for @candlelight.concerts at least once a day, and I did not mind it at all . My social media algorithm knows me insanely well, and I’m amazed by how something combining some of my true loves (unscented candlelight and classical music performances) into one experience. Located in lovely barn that feels like a distant country escape, but was less than 20 minutes away from home. The candlelight created an air of calm.

Then the music started. Each movement and each season of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was breathtaking. I’ve listened to these seasons many times on my phone and had chosen my favorite movement (3rd movement of Spring), and to hear it live healed something in me. To be embarrassingly honest, I was silently crying all the way through Spring and I could not control it. Crying in public completely embarrasses me, and there is only one other time that I can recall not being able to control my crying and it was in church. The tears on both occasions were signs of deep feeling and healing occurring within me. Both cries (though ugly on the outside) were beautiful within. Lucky for me, the candlelight was able to hide me from the rest of the audience (at least, that is what I’m telling myself).

By Summer, the tears stopped and the peace continued to marinade. Like the season it was inspired by, Summer is my least favorite. Still, it was beautiful and I loved observing the tensions between the instruments in the String Quartet. I also took a moment to look around me and people watch. The look of wonder, peace, love and enchantment in certain audience member’s expressions is something I will never forget… like seeing a glimpse of heaven.

I enjoyed Autumn more than I ever have! It’s my favorite season in real life, and this time I was able to hear the jubilee and sounds of happy harvesting in the music. It’s unbelievable how accurately it captures the essence of the season. Give it a listen, or better yet, see it live to hear what I mean.

Winter was icy, chilly, and full of drama… just like mother like daughter, it is season like music. I enjoyed it.

@candlelight.concerts, thank you for coming to Olympia! I look forward to when we can meet again!