Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Composer
Antonio Vivaldi was a prominent Venetian musician – we remember him primarily as a composer but he was also a virtuoso violinist of some renown, as well as entering the priesthood in his twenties (earning him the nickname "The Red Priest", in reference to the colour of his hair).
Today it seems almost incredible to think that Vivaldi could have spent centuries after his death in almost total obscurity – yet this was indeed his fate. Even his most famous work, The Four Seasons, barely received any performances. Ironically, it was the popularity of Kreisler’s faux-Vivaldi pastiche concertos that first began reviving interest in Vivaldi’s real compositions as well.
Browse: Vivaldi
Further Reading: Vivaldi
Recording of the Week, Vivaldi from Cecilia Bartoli and Ensemble Matheus
23rd November 2018
Nearly twenty years after her landmark album devoted to the operas of the 'Red Priest', the Italian mezzo is as dazzling as ever in arias from works including Orlando furioso, Il Giustino and Ottone in Villa.
Recording of the Week, Vivaldi Double Concertos from Adrian Chandler and La Serenissima
20th July 2018
Adrian Chandler and his acclaimed team of baroque instrumentalists present a sparkling selection of Vivaldi's unique double concerti.
Popular Works: Vivaldi
- Concerto for 2 Mandolins, Strings and Continuo in G, R.532 (62)
- Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings & Continuo in C major, RV 537 (75)
- Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93 (85)
- Concerto in C major for mandolin/lute, RV425 (45)
- Concerto in G minor for Two Cellos, RV531 (47)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 1 'Con quattro Violini obligati', RV 549 (48)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 2 'Con due Violini e Violoncello obligato', RV 578 (48)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 3 'Con Violino Solo obligato', RV 310 (55)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 5 'Con due Violini obligati', RV 519 (44)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 6 'Con Violino Solo obligato', RV 356 (78)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 7 'Con quattro Violini e Violoncello obligato', RV 567 (45)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 8 'Con due Violini obligati', RV 522 (120)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 9 'Con Violino Solo obligati', RV 230 (58)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 10 'Con quattro Violini e Violoncello obligato', RV 580 (112)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 11 'Con due Violini e Violoncello obligato', RV 565 (86)
- Concerto, Op. 3 No. 12 'Con Violino Solo obligato', RV 265 (46)
- Flautino Concerto in C major, RV443 (74)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 1 in F major, RV 433 'La tempesta di mare' (94)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 2 in G minor, RV 439 'La notte' (134)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 3 in D major, RV 428 'Il gardellino' (111)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 4 in G major, RV 435 (64)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 5 in F major, RV 434 (69)
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 6 in G major, RV 437 (57)
- Gloria in D major, RV589 (147)
- Nisi Dominus (Psalm 126), RV608 (47)
- Nulla in mundo pax sincera, motet for soprano, strings & continuo, RV 630 (46)
- Oboe Concerto in D minor, RV454 (42)
- Recorder Concerto in C minor, RV441 (55)
- Stabat Mater, RV621 (44)
- The Four Seasons (319)
- The Four Seasons: Autumn, RV293 (385)
- The Four Seasons: Spring, RV269 (413)
- The Four Seasons: Summer, RV315 (389)
- The Four Seasons: Winter, RV297 (414)
- The Four Seasons: Winter, RV297: Largo (46)
- Trio Sonata, Op. 1 No. 12 for Two Violins & Continuo in D minor, RV 63 'La Follia' (48)
- Violin Concerto, Op. 8 No. 5 in E flat major, RV253 'La tempesta di mare' (69)
- Violin Concerto, Op. 8 No. 6 in C major, RV180 'Il Piacere' (60)
- Violin Concerto, Op. 8 No. 8 in G minor, RV332 (42)
- Violin Concerto, Op. 8 No. 10 in B flat major, RV362 'La Caccia' (44)
