An oppressive heat opens the Allegro non molto; a few birds still manage to sing cautiously despite the blazing sun. Their calls seem to foretell a violent storm, filling the shepherd with dread. The second movement, Adagio e piano—Presto e forte, depicts his growing awareness of the approaching storm. In the concluding Presto, the tempest arrives, with thunder, lightning, and violent hailstorms that flatten the ripened grain.
I. Allegro non molto
Sotto dura Staggion dal Sole accesa | Beneath the harsh season, inflamed by the sun, |
| Langue l’huom, langue ’l gregge, ed arde il Pino; | Man languishes, the flock languishes, and the pine burns; |
Scioglie il Cucco la Voce, e tosto intesa | The cuckoo releases its voice, and as soon as it is heard, |
| Canta la Tortorella e ’l gardelino | The turtledove and goldfinch begin to sing |
Zeffiro dolce Spira, mà contesa | The gentle Zephyr blows, but suddenly |
Muove Borea improviso al Suo vicino; | Boreas challenges his neighbor; |
E piange il Pastorel, perche sospesa | And the shepherd weeps, for anxiously |
| Teme fiera borasca, e ’l suo destino; | He fears the violent storm—and his fate. |
II. Adagio e piano –Presto e forte
Toglie alle membra lasse il Suo riposo | His weary limbs are robbed of rest |
Il timore de’ Lampi, e tuoni fieri | By fear of lightning and fierce thunder, |
| E de mosche, e mosconi il Stuol furioso! | And by the furious swarm of flies and gnats. |
III.Presto
Ah che pur troppo i Suo timor Son veri | Alas, his fears prove all too true: |
Tuona e fulmina il Ciel e grandinoso | The heavens thunder and flash, heavy with hail, |
Tronca il capo alle Spiche e a’grani alteri. | Beheading the ears of wheat and the proud-standing grain. |