subject: Violinist Vivaldi Created Respect And Admiration For His Work [print this page] Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was not only a renowned virtuoso violinist; he was also a composer and priest. He was nicknamed "The Red Priest" due to his bright red hair. He was born in 1678. Vivaldi is definitely recognized as one of the most influential and greatest of the Baroque composers. His talent was widespread throughout Europe. He is best known for his series of violin concertos, "The Four Seasons." In addition to all of his accomplishments he also composed more than forty operas.
Perhaps one of Vivaldi's major contributions was for violin duet music. His major composition, "The Concerto in A Minor" features two soloists. This particular composition is most unusual, as the violin duet music the two soloists engage in offers no less energy but more introspective conversation between each other. It is believed that the movement is very lively although there is an amount of dramatic tension in music opposed to a thunder of joy.
Vivaldi credited much of his success and career to his father, Giovanni Battista Vivaldi, as he was the person who taught the young Vivaldi how to play the violin. They toured all around Venice playing music similar to Mozart. The young Vivaldi eventually entered the parish of S Martino. He was ordained as a priest in 1703. Before a year, as serving as a priest ended, he withdrew from the priesthood saying that it was due to his asthma. Critics, at the time, suspected it had to do with his musical aspirations opposed to any medical issues. Today, some scholars look back saying that most likely he became a priest, although it was not his career choice, because this training was often the only way a poor family could receive free schooling.
In 1703 he was promoted to maestro di violino at the Pio Ospedale della Pieta. This was a home for indigent girls. The Pieta specialized in working with those girls, showing aptitude, in learning music. In 1716 the Pieta promoted him to the maestro de' concertin. This is when he began to travel. This is also the period when he started to write and become more serious with his musical career. He continued his work with the Pieta while traveling throughout Europe. The Pieta developed four such programs. These were mostly for illegitimate or orphaned girls. The girls were raised at the expense of the state. They were trained only in music. It is said that the girls sang like angels while playing their chosen instrument: violin, flute, organ, oboe, cello, and bassoon. The girls continually put on performances and each concert consisted of about 40 girls. Vivaldi often used the girls to create and improve his musical creations. His particular Pieta gained the reputation as being the best of the four. Vivaldi enjoyed most of his working career working for the Ospedale della Pieta.
Vivaldi was a well-known figure at the Pieta. His accomplishments were very impressive. Even so, he died on July 28, 1741, while on a trip in Vienna; and following an extraordinary career, he was given a pauper's burial.
