One of the most renowned Baroque composers from this era wasAntonio Vivaldi(16781741).
Scroll down to learn nine facts about the classical composer Vivaldi.
Learn nine lesser-known facts about Italian Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi.
Assumed portrait of Vivaldi by an unknown artist, 1723 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
He was from a musical family.
They even toured Venice together, playing violin duets.
He suffered from a lifelong illness.
Church of San Giovanni in Bragora in Venice (Photo: Didier Descouens viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Modern historians have interpreted this description as a form of asthma.
Vivaldi was ordained as a priest in 1703 when he was 25 years old.
Only one year later, his fragile health prevented him from administering Mass.
Plaque commemorating Antonio Vivaldi outside the Ospedale della Pietà (Photo:Giovanni Dall’Orto viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 2.5 IT)
As a result, he found more time to work on his compositions and practice the violin.
He taught violin at an orphanage.
He worked here for about 30 years while he created his most famous compositions.
François Morellon de La Cave, Engraving of Antonio Vivaldi, 1725 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
His abilities as an instructor increased the prestige of the orphanage’s orchestra and choir.
The Four Seasons was revolutionary.
Vivaldi composed The Four Seasons between the years 1718 and 1720 while he was court chapel master in Mantua.
Elias Gottlob Haussmann, “Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach,” 1748 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Vivaldi achieved significant success during his life, earning commissions from various European nobility.
Some of his patrons include the king of France and the Holy Roman Emperor.
Vivaldi died penniless.
After King Charles VI offered a position at his court to Vivaldi, the Italian composer relocated to Vienna.
However, soon after arriving, Charles VI died, and Vivaldi was left without a source of income.
Even his compositions were forgotten for decades after his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vivaldi best known for?
Antonio Vivaldi is best known for his series of violin concertos known asThe Four Seasons.
Did Bach and Vivaldi ever meet?
Even so, Bach was known to be very appreciative of Vivaldi’s music.
Why was Vivaldi important?
Vivaldi was an important Baroque composer for his innovative compositions, which featured harmonic contrasts and exuberant themes.
