OnMusic Dictionary

Composer

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi

Info

Born 03/04/1678
Birth Location Venice, Italy
Died 07/28/1741
Death Location Vienna, Austria
Nationality Italy
Era Baroque
Genres Orchestral, Chamber, Opera, Sonata, Religious

Biography

Vivaldi was the eldest of nine children and was very sickly when he was young. He suffered from chest pains and it is now believed that he had asthma. Being from a poor family, Vivaldi decided to become a priest because he could receive a free education. He began this pursuit when he was 14 or 15 years old and 10 years later he became a priest. He was often referred to as the red priest because of the color of his hair.

When he was young, his father taught him how to play the violin. He excelled and became a prolific player. In 1703, he was hired by the Ospedale della Pietà to teach homeless girls music. These girls were taught to sing or play an instrument. Their concerts were renowned for their beautiful music Vivaldi was an excellent teacher and would have strong ties to the Pietà for his entire life.

Main Works

Orchestral Music:
450 concertos
The Four Seasons
Gloria, RV. 589
6 Flute Concerti, Op. 10
12 Violin Concerto, Op. 3
Lute/ Mandolin/ Guitar Concerto RV. 425, RV. 93, RV. 532

Opera:
94 operas (however, less than 50 have been identified)
Orlando finto pazzo - 1714 (RV. 727)
Argippo - 1730 (RV. 697)
L'Olimpiade - 1734 (RV. 725)
Griselda - 1735 (RV. 718)

Chamber Music:
Numerous Violin Sonatas
Numerous Sonatas for other instruments (cello, flute and others)

Choral Music:
Over 40 Cantatas
Over 50 Sacred works

Last Updated: 2016-07-08 20:07:44

Composer

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi

Info

Biography

Main Works

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