| *Antonio
Vivaldi*
(1678-1741) Italian composer and violinist, the most influential of his age. Born in Venice, Vivaldi became active as an opera composer and producer in 1713. In about 1740 he accepted a position at the court of Emperor Charles VI in Vienna. Vivaldi's works include more than 500 concertos and 70 sonatas, about 45 operas, and various masses and other religious works. His concertos provided a model for the genre throughout Europe, affecting the style even of his older contemporaries. Vivaldi virtually established the three-movement form for the concerto. He was also the first composer to consistently use the ritornello form that became standard for the fast movements of concertos. The ritornello was a section (episode) that recurred in different keys and was played by the full orchestra. It alternated with soloist-dominated sections. His concertos The Four Seasons are early examples of orchestral program music. Like much of his music, they are marked by vigorous rhythms and strong contrasts.
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~ "The Four Seasons" "Spring" Concerto in E major "Summer" Concerto in G minor "Autumn" Concerto in F major "Winter" Concerto in F minor "Gloria"
Famous Works
Links
Classic CD Online's Vivaldi Page |
