Though it is not known who wrote these sonnets, there is a theory that Vivaldi wrote them himself, given that each sonnet is broken down into three sections, neatly corresponding to a movement in the concerto. There is some debate as to whether the four concertos were written to accompany four sonnets or vice versa. Vivaldi's original arrangement for solo violin with string quartet and basso continuo helped to define the form of the concerto. At the time of writing The Four Seasons, the modern solo form of the concerto had not yet been defined (typically a solo instrument and accompanying orchestra).

Each one is in three movements, with a slow movement between two faster ones (and these movements likewise vary in tempo amid the seasons as a whole). The first four concertos are designated Le quattro stagioni, each being named after a season. Vivaldi dedicated their publication to a Bohemianpatron, Count Václav Morzin (of Vrchlabí 1676–1737), and in so mentioned the count's longstanding regard for these four, in particular (which had apparently been performed with the nobleman's orchestra, in Prague's Morzin Palace)-although his dedication may have been closely related to the completion of an Augustinian monastery that year, where Vivaldi, a priest himself, refers to Morzin, the church's dedicator, as 'Chamberlain and Counsellor to His Majesty, the Catholic Emperor'-while (as Maestro di Musica in Italy) Vivaldi presents them anew, with sonnets or enhancements for clear interpretation.

The concertos were first published in 1725 as part of a set of twelve concerti, Vivaldi's Op. 8, entitled Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione ( The Contest Between Harmony and Invention). For example, 'Winter' is peppered with silvery pizzicato notes from the high strings, calling to mind icy rain, whereas 'Summer' evokes a thunderstorm in its finalmovement, which is why the movement is often called 'Storm' (as noted in the list of derivative works). The texture of each concerto is varied, each resembling its respective season. Composed circa 1720, The Four Seasons is Vivaldi's best-known work, and is among the most popular pieces in the Baroque music repertoire. The Four Seasons (Italian: Le quattro stagioni) is a set of four violin concertos by Antonio Vivaldi.

Vivaldi seasons winter