March 4, 1678-July 28, 1741
Antonio Vivaldi was a brilliant composer and violinist. He was born in Venice, Italy in 1678. During his lifetime, his musical work and fame spread throughout Europe. He composed during the Baroque Period and is considered one of the greatest composers of that era. I say "nay." He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, composers ever.
Known mainly for his concertos, Vivaldi also composed numerous sacred choral works, as well as over 40 operas. While he is mostly known for his musical work, he was also a priest, which, along with his auburn hair, garnered him the nickname il Prete Rosso, or The Red Priest. And yes, while he composed in the Baroque, you could easily say that he was a Renaissance Man.
Unfortunately for Vivaldi, his latter years did not go as well as his earlier ones. Changing musical tastes meant that his work fell out of favor and esteem from where it once was. A great man who became a pauper, Vivaldi died penniless in Vienna in July of 1741. Interestingly enough, a young Joseph Hadyn probably sang at his funeral.
The Four Seasons
"The Four Seasons" is not only the most famous of Vivaldi's work, but probably the most famous piece of music from the Baroque Period. If you aren't sure if you have ever heard it, Google it or search it on iTunes. I guarantee that you have.
It is an illustrious piece of music was first published in 1725 as part of his Opus No. 8, entitled il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione (The Contest Between Harmony and Invention). It's a truly visionary piece of music, combining four concertos, each comprised of three movements, to convey the elapse of a year, each concerto representing a season. Vivaldi's use of different instruments to represent different types of weather or feelings is extraordinary. If you haven't heard the piece in its entirety yet, do yourself a favor and do so.
i agree with you
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