Vivaldi, Antonio

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741, nicknamed il Prete Rosso or The Red Priest) was a Venetian composer, priest and famous virtuoso violinist of the Baroque period.

Vivaldi was the most important Italian composer of his generation, and he laid the foundatons for the mature Baroque concerto.

Vivaldi made substantial contributions to musical style, violin technique and orchestration.

He was also a pioneer of orchestral programme music.

His compositions include over 500 instrumental concertos, sacred choral works and over 40 operas.