Antonio
Vivaldi

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an Italian Baroque composer, virtuoso violinist, teacher, impresario, and Roman Catholic priest. Born in Venice, the capital of the Venetian Republic, his influence during his lifetime was widespread across Europe, giving origin to many imitators and admirers, and was paramount in the development of Johann Sebastian Bach's instrumental music and the French concerto. Vivaldi composed many instrumental concertos, for the violin and a variety of other musical instruments, as well as sacred choral works and more than fifty operas. Many of his compositions were written for the all-female music ensemble of the Ospedale della Pietà. Vivaldi also had some success with expensive stagings of his operas in Venice, Mantua and Vienna. After meeting the Emperor Charles VI, Vivaldi moved to Vienna, hoping for royal support. However, the Emperor died soon after Vivaldi's arrival, and Vivaldi himself died in poverty less than a year later.