Antonio Vivaldi 1678-1741

Vita di Vivaldi Born in Venice in 1678 during an earthquake. He had 8 siblings. His father taught him violin, who was a barber before becoming a professional violinist. He was a sickly child, most likely due to asthma. He studied to become a priest at 15 and was ordained at 25. He was nicknamed “The Red Priest” for his hair color. He was a teacher at an orphanage for 30 years, where he taught violin and composed most of his most famous music. He wrote many operas which earned him a lot of money and fame, although his operas are seldom performed today.

Vita di Vivaldi continuato Vivaldi moved to Rome (the capital of Italy) around 1725. During the time he wrote his most famous composition, “The Four Seasons”. This work is actually a collection of four violin concertos. After 1730, Vivaldi’s music started to wane in popularity. Subsequently, he had many financial difficulties. Vivaldi died a poor man in 1741. He had a short service, with no music, and was buried in a common grave, which has since been demolished. His music fell out of favor for decades, but was revived in the 1930’s and has since gained popularity. Vivaldi is now considered one of the masters of violin music and the Baroque style.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Winter Spring

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Summer Autumn

Concerto for Two Cellos Gloria: I. Gloria in excelsis Deo Other Works by Vivaldi Concerto for Two Cellos Gloria: I. Gloria in excelsis Deo