Antonio Vivaldi
1678-1741 created by Sasha Giniger
Early Life
Not much is known about Vivaldi's early life, however, we do know a little. He was born on March 4, 1678. He had four brothers and four sisters and when he was fifteen he started studying to be a priest. A few years later, in 1703, he became a priest. It is known that he struggled with asthma from an early age. He wanted to be a priest partly because his father was a priest at St. Marks.
Italy in the 1600's
Vivaldi and Italy
Vivaldi was born, lived in, and died in Italy. He traveled to many places in Italy, such as Vienna and Rome. This map shows the homeland of the very famous composer. He taught for many years at the Ospedale della Pieta. This means "Hospital of Mercy" and it was in Venice, Italy.
Four Seasons ~ Vivaldi
The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is one of Vivaldi's best known works. It is quite long and has many different tones and instruments in it. There is a poem that goes along with it. The poem is about the four seasons. It is a matter of great debate whether the poem was written by Vivaldi, who did write some poetry, or if it was written by a friend of his. There is evidence supporting both arguments. Regardless of the author of the poem, both it and the music are considered to be great works.
Vivaldi's Other Music
Almost 500 concerti by Vivaldi survive. Over 300 are for a solo instrument with string orchestra. Of these, about 230 are written for solo violin, 65 for bassoon or cello, 25 are for oboe or flute. He also wrote concerti for other instruments.
Vivaldi's Lasting Legacy
Though he is long dead, Vivaldi's legacy lives on. He is considered a great composer in the music world and it is an honor for a musician to play any of his works. Around the world hundreds still play or listen to his music. He is known as one of the greatest and most accomplished composers and musicians of all time. His music will never be forgotten.
Citations
Map of Italy. Illustration. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 2 May 2016.
<http://quest.eb.com/search/309_2915857/1/309_2915857/cite>
AnAmericanComposer. "Four Seasons ~ Vivaldi." Youtube. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May
2016. <https://youtu.be/GRxofEmo3HA>.
"Antonio Vivaldi". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica
Online.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 03 May. 2016
p>
<http://www.britannica.com/biography/Antonio-Vivaldi>.