Max Richter's Reimagining of The Four Seasons

In his The Four Seasons Recomposed, Max Richter extracts familiar rhythmic and melodic material from Vivaldi’s well-worn original and creates a fresh 21st century reimagining. Utilizing expanded harmonies, structural and rhythmic extension, phasing and looping techniques as well as original electronic music, he bridges nearly 300 years of compositional history, creating a unique and original work built on the foundations of one of the most recognized pieces in the classical canon.

Four Seasons Recomposed has amassed over 450 million streams worldwide since its release in 2012, and cleared the way for other classical/contemporary artists to revisit other well-known pieces from the classical canon. Works such as Peter Gregson’s Bach Cello Suites (2018) and Chad Lawson’s The Chopin Variations (2014) helped reintroduce music from the 18th and 19thcenturies to a 21st century audience.

During the company's first collaboration with Richter on the original score for Wayne McGregor’s MADDADDAM, the orchestra was introduced to his eclectic blending of centuries old classical structures, contemporary/popular styles, high energy rhythmically explosive music and his unique electronic sound world. Incorporating an extensive sound design, Richter’s music expanded the boundaries of live performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, fusing an elaborate electronic score with the live performance of our orchestra.

Recomposed features Concertmaster Aaron Schwebel as soloist and gives additional solo opportunities throughout to individual members of the string orchestra. Richter expands Vivaldi’s original orchestration with the addition of electronics and harp.

The Four Seasons is onstage with Morpheus’ Dream and The Leaves Are Fading February 26 – March 2