Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) was ordained as a priest though he instead chose to follow his passion for music. A prolific composer who created hundreds of works, he became renowned for his concertos in Baroque style, becoming a highly influential innovator in form and pattern. He was also known for his operas, including Argippo and Bajazet.
At the age of 25, Vivaldi was named master of violin at the Devout Hospital of Mercy in Venice. He composed most of his major works in this position over three decades. In addition to his choral music and concerti, Vivaldi had begun regularly writing opera scores by 1715; about 50 of these scores remain.
In addition to his regular employment, Vivaldi accepted a number of short-term positions funded by patrons in Mantua and Rome. It was during his term in Mantua, from around 1717 to 1721, that he wrote his four-part masterpiece, The Four Seasons.
Musicians and scholars revived Vivaldi’s music in the early 20th century, during which time many of the composer’s unknown works were recovered from obscurity. The music of Vivaldi has been performed widely since World War II. The choral composition Gloria is particularly famous and is performed regularly at Christmas celebrations worldwide. Vivaldi’s work, including nearly 500 concertos, have influenced subsequent composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.
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