Antonio Vivaldi

Lore & Background

Vivaldi was born in Venice, the son of Giovanni Battista Vivaldi, a barber turned professional violinist. He was baptized immediately after birth by the midwife, likely due to poor health; a false rumor later linked this to an earthquake that struck Venice in 1688. Vivaldi had five known siblings and suffered from a condition interpreted as asthma, which prevented him from playing wind instruments but not the violin. He began studying for the Catholic priesthood at age 15 and was ordained at 25, earning the nickname 'il Prete Rosso' (the Red Priest) for his red hair. He was later given dispensation to no longer say public Masses because of a health problem.

In September 1703, at age 25, Vivaldi became maestro di violino at the Ospedale della Pietà, a home for abandoned children in Venice. Over the next thirty years he composed most of his major works there, including concertos, cantatas, and sacred vocal music for the all-female music ensemble. His relationship with the board was often strained; in 1709 the vote on his reappointment went 7 to 6 against him, but he was recalled unanimously in 1711. He was promoted to maestro de' concerti in 1716. Vivaldi also worked as an opera impresario, staging his own works in Venice, Mantua, and Vienna. His first opera, Ottone in villa, was performed in Vicenza in 1713. After meeting Emperor Charles VI, he moved to Vienna hoping for royal support, but the Emperor died soon after, and Vivaldi died in poverty less than a year later.

Reader's Guide

Vivaldi's significance lies in his consolidation of the solo concerto form and his pioneering contributions to orchestration, violin technique, and programmatic music. His best-known work, The Four Seasons, exemplifies his programmatic approach. After nearly two centuries of decline, his musical reputation underwent a revival in the early 20th century, with much scholarly research devoted to his work. Many compositions once thought lost have been rediscovered, some as recently as 2015. His music remains widely popular and is regularly played all over the world. Vivaldi's influence during his lifetime was widespread across Europe, generating many imitators and admirers. His compositions for the Ospedale della Pietà, including over 60 sacred works, demonstrate his versatility and the high regard in which he was held as both a composer and teacher.

Did You Know?

• Vivaldi was baptized immediately after birth by the midwife, likely due to poor health; a false rumor linked this to an earthquake that struck Venice in 1688.
• He was nicknamed 'il Prete Rosso' (the Red Priest) because of his red hair, a family trait.
• Vivaldi's first opera, Ottone in villa, was performed in Vicenza in 1713, not in Venice.
• After almost two centuries of decline, his music was revived in the early 20th century, with some compositions rediscovered as recently as 2015.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Se questa non piace, non voglio più scrivere di musica." — Antonio Vivaldi "Translation: If you don't like this, I'll stop writing music." — Antonio Vivaldi "An ironic note written upon an aria score of his opera Orlando Furioso (1727)." — Antonio Vivaldi "Italians have such illustrious people they can celebrate, that everyone celebrates — Michelangelo, Vivaldi and, of course, for us on the left, Sacco and Vanzetti." — Antonio Vivaldi