Originally ordained as an Italian priest in 1703, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi later became a prolific composer who created hundreds of works including Baroque concertos. In addition to composing, he was also known as a virtuoso violinist.
Vivaldi was given the title of Master of Violin at the Devout Hospital of Mercy (an orphanage) in Venice when he was only 25. Over the next 30 years, he would compose the majority of his most famous music while employed at a hospital teaching orphans. From his short-lived career as an ordained priest, to teaching orphans, to composing wedding music for emperors and kings, Vivaldi became one of the most influential musicians of his era.
One of my favorite Vivaldi recordings, Gloria in D Major comes from the RV 589 which includes Emma Kirkby & Catherine Bott & Judith Nelson & James Bowman & Carolyn Watkinson & Simon Standage & Catherine Mackintosh & Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford & The Academy of Ancient Music & Simon Preston & Christopher Hogwood. The sound quality on this version is superb for an almost 30 year span from the RV 588 original.
