Born: 1678, Venice

Died: 1741, Vienna

"Certain it is that the Op. 8 is the most applauded of Vivaldi's works"

- Sir John Hawkins

Vivaldi occupied a unique place among Italian composers of his generation. Where these contemporaries were known for their operas, Vivaldi achieved fame as a composer for orchestra. Beginning in 1718, Vivaldi undertook several arduous journeys, in spite of his severe asthma, that, along with the publication of 12 collections of concertos and sonatas, solidified his reputation as one of baroque Europe's preeminent musical figures.

Further listening:

L'estro armonico, Op. 3 (The harmonic cycle, 12 concertos, 1712)
Academy of Ancient Music, Hogwood (Decca)

The Contest between Harmony and Invention, Op. 8 (12 concertos, ca. 1725)
Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi (Virgin)

Gloria (soloists, chorus, and orchestra; ca. 1713-14)
Soloists, English Concert, Pinnock (DG Archiv)