♫ Biography: An Italian Spectacle of the 17th-18th century ♫
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was born on March 4th, 1678 in Venice, Italy. His parents were Giovanni Battista Vivaldi and Camila Calicchio. At a young age, Antonio Vivaldi was taught to play the violin by his father. Vivaldi was a catholic priest. He also had red hair, which gave him the nickname of "The Red Priest" or "il Prete Rosso". Vivaldi was an Italian Baroque composer, and one of the greatest Baroque composers for his time. Antonio was also a Virtuoso violinist known for composing instrumental concertos. He has written over 40 operas during his lifespan. Vivaldi has even met Emperor Charles VI.
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Vivaldi's most famous work was titled "The Four Seasons". It was a set of four violin concertos composed in 1723. Some of his other works include two operas. They were named "La Constanza Trionfante" (The Triumphant Constance) and Farnace (pronounced Pharnaces). Vivaldi wore a blonde wig that almost reached his shoulders. He used it to cover up his red hair. Vivaldi's music was very innovative for his time. Another composer named Johann Sebastian Bach was deeply influenced by Vivaldi's concertos and arias. He even had a movie made after him in 2005 named "Vivaldi, a Prince in Venice". Vivaldi wanted to be a composer in the imperial court. He has traveled to many places around Europe, including Prague, Rome, and Amsterdam. He even conducted a Festive opening concert for the 100th Anniversary of the Schouwburg Theater. Many of his compositions were written for the female music ensemble of the Ospedale della Pieta (Mercy Hospital). His influence was widespread over not only Europe, but across the entire globe.
Vivaldi's first opera was performed in Vicenza, Italy in 1713. He traveled to many place in Italy, including Venice, Vicenza, Vienna, and Florence for operas. One of his operas, "Arsilda, reginadi di Ponto" was composed entirely by himself. It featured a girl (Arsilda) who falls in love with another woman (Lisea), while Lisea pretends to be a man. A majority of his operas have been performed all over Italy.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Vivaldi died July 28th, 1741 at the age of 63. He died of an internal disease he nicknamed "Internal Fire". His death occurred shortly after moving to Vienna, Italy. He received a modest burial. The house where he lived in Vienna had been destroyed, and now the Hotel Sacher is on part of the site. Only three portraits of Vivaldi have survived. It turns out that scientists have discovered Vivaldi had a form of asthma.
We will always remember Antonio Vivaldi, the legacy that he bestowed upon all of us, and the works of art that he has left for us to treasure until the end of time. ♫☺
Vivaldi's first opera was performed in Vicenza, Italy in 1713. He traveled to many place in Italy, including Venice, Vicenza, Vienna, and Florence for operas. One of his operas, "Arsilda, reginadi di Ponto" was composed entirely by himself. It featured a girl (Arsilda) who falls in love with another woman (Lisea), while Lisea pretends to be a man. A majority of his operas have been performed all over Italy.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Vivaldi died July 28th, 1741 at the age of 63. He died of an internal disease he nicknamed "Internal Fire". His death occurred shortly after moving to Vienna, Italy. He received a modest burial. The house where he lived in Vienna had been destroyed, and now the Hotel Sacher is on part of the site. Only three portraits of Vivaldi have survived. It turns out that scientists have discovered Vivaldi had a form of asthma.
We will always remember Antonio Vivaldi, the legacy that he bestowed upon all of us, and the works of art that he has left for us to treasure until the end of time. ♫☺