Stepping into Spring: Toma Iliev Brings Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons to Life

As spring approaches, Portland Baroque Orchestra is delighted to progress through Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on this 300th anniversary of its publishing. The next orchestra concert (March 15 & 16) will feature the beloved concerto, “Spring,” which is filled with vibrant energy, from the joyful songs of birds to the gentle murmuring of streams.

Our violin soloist for this piece, Toma Iliev, will bring his unique artistry to this timeless work. We asked him about his first experience playing The Four Seasons, how his instrument shapes his interpretation, and what excites him about performing “Spring’“ in Portland. Read on to hear Toma’s thoughts on Vivaldi’s enduring masterpiece and the beauty of this season’s return.

Q: The Four Seasons is one of the most well-known pieces in classical music. What is it like to step into the role of soloist for “Spring”?
Toma: It’s a very exciting experience! I love Spring in particular for the jaunty character of the opening Allegro, the lyrical and nostalgic Largo and the rustic dances of the final movement.

Q: Do you remember the first time you played any of The Four Seasons? What was that experience like for you?
Toma: I don’t; it really feels like I’ve known The Four Seasons all my life! I have always loved The Seasons and I have favorite recordings that I go back to when I need inspiration - among them is PBO’s former artistic director Monica Huggett’s.

Q: Vivaldi’s “Spring” feels so fresh and full of life. What do you think makes this music so timeless and evocative?
Toma: One of my favorite things about The Seasons is Vivaldi’s choice to include sonnets to go with each season. These sonnets are very descriptive of what each section of the music is supposed to depict. I think a lot of that full-of-life feeling “Spring” evokes comes from its sonnet - it describes bird songs, a quick storm, a goatherd sleeping with his faithful dog by his side, and then nymphs and shepherds dancing by the sounds of bagpipes.

Q: What instrument will you be performing “Spring” on, and is there anything special about it that influences your interpretation of the piece?
Toma: I will be playing my Viennese violin made by an unknown maker in the 1700s. It has a beautiful, rounded, old-instrument sound, but it also packs a punch in the top register. Playing it gets me as close to bringing my inner voice out as possible (I am not a great singer!). I think my instrument is perfect for “Spring” as its versatility lets it imitate the full range of sounds - from cheerful bird calls to rustic bagpipes.

Q: Portland has its own unique way of welcoming spring. How does the season here inspire you as a musician?
Toma: Spring is my favorite season in Portland! I love all the spring bloom colors and flower scents you experience just walking down the street during these months. And of course the sun coming out after months of rain is a treat! Images of nature pop into my imagination a lot when I perform, especially a piece so akin to nature as Vivaldi’s “Spring.”

Q: As a soloist, how do you bring your own interpretation to such a famous piece while staying true to Vivaldi’s vision?
Toma: I always try to approach famous music I’m learning as if I am hearing it for the very first time. This approach makes it possible to start from scratch rather than build upon all the live performances and recordings I’ve heard over the years. And when it comes to staying true to Vivaldi’s vision, while nobody has a full grasp of it, having training in historically informed performance is of tremendous help with the musical language Vivaldi “spoke.”

Q: If you could pair “Spring” with another piece of music—Baroque or modern—to complement its energy and themes, what would you choose and why?
Toma: There are so many good pairings possible, the most obvious being the other three seasons. But as a piece of music it is so perfect on its own that it makes me want to pair it with sparkling rosé or sangria under the sun on a warm day instead.

Event Details:

Spring
March 15th | 7PM | First Congregational Church
March 16th | 3PM | Kaul Auditorium
Tickets are still available here