1. Antonio Vivaldi And George Frideric Handel

2. Vivaldi 1678-1741 Born in Venice. Father was a violinist Prepared for priesthood for one year Il Prete Rosso (red priest), due to red hair Violin teacher, composer and conductor at Pieta (school for orphaned and illegitimate girls) Presented concerts every Sunday and holiday

3. Vivaldi Famous and influential as a violinist and composer Best known for his 450 concerti grossi and solo concertos Solo concert: piece for a single instrument and orchestra Most Popular work : La Primavera (Spring) Concerto for violin and String Orchestra, Op. 8. No. 1 from ‘The Four Seasons’ Each is an example of program music: instrumental music associated with a story, poem, idea or scene. Predecessor to program music of the Romantic period

4. George Frederic Handel(1685-1759) German Master of Italian opera and English Oratorio Oratorio: large scale composition for chorus,vocal soloists and orchestra, usually set to narrative text. No acting, scenery or costumes. Based on biblical stories, not intended for religious services. Succession of choruses,arias, duets, recitatives and orchestra interludes

5. Handel not from a musical family; father wanted him to study law Age 9: studying with local organist Age 11: composer and giving organ lessons Age 20: one of his operas was produced; Performing in Hamburg opera house, where he was violinist and harpsichordist Age 21: moved to Italy Moved to London, where his opera Rinaldo was produced. He spent the later half of his life in London (1712-1759)

6. Handel Became England’s important composer (favorite of Queen Anne) Director of the Royal Academy of Music Eventually formed a company to produce his works Even when he was almost blind: Given organ concerts and conducting

7. Handel Wrote a great deal of instrumental music Core of his work are Italian operas and English oratorios 39 Italian operas Oratorios based on old testament stories and have plots (Messiah, 1741 is the exception)