Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most influential composers of the Baroque era, a priest (nicknamed the “Red Priest” for the colour of his hair) and at the same time a virtuoso violinist. He spent most of his life in Venice, at an orphanage for girls, for whose orchestra he wrote many works.
Vivaldi is the true “father” of the solo concerto: he created over 500 concertos for the most varied instruments. His most celebrated work is the cycle “The Four Seasons,” four violin concertos that paint spring, summer, autumn, and winter in sound with astonishing vividness — some of the most famous music in the world. Vivaldi's energy, brilliance, and melodic generosity influenced even J.S. Bach, who transcribed a number of his concertos. Vivaldi is the embodiment of the joyous, colourful genius of the Italian Baroque.
