Back 

An Italian Composer:

Antonio Vivaldi

 

Antonio Vivaldi is one of the greatest Italian composers of all time. He is mostly remembered for his 447 concertos, instrumental sonatas, and 4 concerti grossi known today as The Four Seasons. He is known today as the greatest Italian composer of the Baroque Era.

Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice, Italy, in 1678. His father was a violinist in an Italian orchestra and most likely taught Antonio to play the violin. On September 18, 1693, Vivaldi entered the priesthood. Later, in 1703, Antonio Vivaldi was ordained as a priest. In September of the same year, he became a violin teacher at a music orphanage for girls.

From 1705-1741, Antonio Vivaldi was busy composing and publishing hundreds and hundreds of sonatas, concerti grossi, operas, and concertos. In fact, the concerto was invented by Vivaldi. In a concerto, the orchestra plays, then a solo, then the orchestra, then a solo, and continues in this way. Many of his pieces were published and performed from 1705-1741. Antonio Vivaldi's pieces are still being performed today.

Antonio Vivaldi was never married because he was a priest. He died in 1741, but his music still lives on.

Back to Top