Antonio Vivaldi
Background Information
Born March 4 1678 in Venice, Italy
Died July 28 1741 in Vienna, Austria
Italian Composer and Violinist
Early Life
Vivaldi's main teacher was his father, Giovani Battisa
Antonio was an eldest child and trained for priesthood and was ordained in 1703.
His red hair earned him 'The Red Priest'
His first public appearance was in the basilica playing alongside his father as a 'supernumerary' violinist in 1696
Composing
He did not work as a priest for very long. In 1703, he began teaching girls in orphanage at Venice violin. The girls were chosen due to their exceptional musical abilities. They will have regular concerts and Vivaldi will write music for them.
During his break from teaching in 1709 to 1711, he wrote a large number of works including violin sonatas and concertos.
In 1711, he wrote a collection of 12 concertos which made him famous through Europe. Musicians who go to Venice would visit Vivaldi for violin lessons.
His first opera performed was in 1713, Ottone in Villa
His first Oratorio was performed by the girls from the orphanage in 1716.
Vivaldi became a a composer for sacred vocal music in 1713.
Travelling
1720s were the most powerful times of his life.
1723 Vivaldi composed his famous Four Seasons
1718 Vivaldi left Venice and went to Mantua and became the Director of music for Prince Phillip
At around 1721 Vivaldi went to Rome and performed occasionally for the Pope.
During his travels, he continued to write music for the girls in the orphanage. Around 140 concertos were sent to them.
After 1729 Vivaldi stopped publishing his works because he thinks that selling them is more profitable.
Late Years
In 1730s, Vivaldi's career began to decline.
1739, a French traveller Charles de Brosses, reported that Vivaldi's work was no longer fashionable.
1740 Vivaldi travelled back to Vienna and fell ill.
1741 Vivaldi died with a simple funeral, suggesting he died of poverty.
Four Seasons
Four set violin concerto
Each season has 3 movements; fast-slow-fast
Spring
Allegro (E Major)
Largo e pianissimo sempre (C-sharp minor)
Allegro pastorale (E Major)
Summer
Allegro non molto (G minor)
Adagio e piano (G minor)
Presto (G minor)
Autumn
Allegro (F Major)
Adagio molto (D minor)
Allegro (F Major)
Winter
Allegro non molto (F Minor)
Largo (E-flat Major)
Allegro (F minor)