The opening Allegro announces the arrival of spring, depicting twittering birds and murmuring streams. A thunderstorm briefly interrupts the tranquility, but peace is soon restored. In the Largo, a goatherd sleeps with his faithful dog beside him, while rustic bagpipes, nymphs, and shepherds dance in the concluding Allegro.
I. Allegro
| Giunt’ è la Primavera e festosetti | Spring has arrived, and joyfully |
La Salutan gl’ Augei con lieto canto, | The birds greet her with happy song; |
| E i fonti allo Spirar de’ Zeffiretti | And the streams, at the breath of gentle Zephyrs, |
| Con dolce mormorio Scorrono intanto: | Flow along with a sweet murmur. |
| Vengon’ coprendo l’aer di nero amanto | Then lightning and thunder, chosen to announce her, |
| E Lampi, e tuoni ad annuntiarla eletti | Come covering the air with a black cloak; |
| Indi tacendo questi, gl’ Augelletti | When these fall silent, the little birds |
| Tornan di nuovo al lor canoro incanto: | Return once more to their melodious enchantment |
II. Largo
| E quindi sul fiorito ameno prato | And then, upon the pleasant, flower-filled meadow, |
| Al caro mormorio di fronde e piante | To the gentle murmur of leaves and plants, |
| Dorme ’l Caprar col fido can’ à lato. | The goatherd sleeps, his faithful dog beside him. |
III. Allegro
| Di pastoral Zampogna al suon festante | To the festive sound of pastoral bagpipes, |
| Danzan Ninfe e Pastor nel tetto amato | Nymphs and shepherds dance beneath the beloved canopy |
| Di primavera all’apparir brillante. | At the brilliant appearance of Spring. |