The most talented musicians joined an orchestra that played Vivaldi's compositions, including religious choral music. The Ospedale was an institution where orphans received instruction - the boys in trades and the girls in music. He composed most of his major works in this position over three decades. Musical CareerĪt the age of 25, Vivaldi was named master of violin at the Ospedale della Pietà (Devout Hospital of Mercy) in Venice. Health problems prevented him from delivering mass and drove him to abandon the priesthood shortly after his ordination. Due to his red hair, Vivaldi was known locally as 'il Prete Rosso,' or 'the Red Priest.' Vivaldi's career in the clergy was short-lived. At the age of 15, he began studying to become a priest. Vivaldi sought religious training as well as musical instruction. While his violin practice flourished, a chronic shortness of breath barred him from mastering wind instruments. Through his father, Vivaldi met and learned from some of the finest musicians and composers in Venice at the time. His father, Giovanni Battista Vivaldi, was a professional violinist who taught his young son to play as well. Early LifeĪntonio Lucio Vivaldi was born on March 4, 1678, in Venice, Italy. He was also known for his operas, including Argippo and Bajazet. A prolific composer who created hundreds of works, he became renowned for his concertos in Baroque style, becoming a highly influential innovator in form and pattern. Antonio Vivaldi was ordained as a priest though he instead chose to follow his passion for music.

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