This did not prevent him from playing the violin or taking part in musical activities, although it did stop him from playing wind instruments. He would frequently complain of “tightness of the chest”, which has been interpreted as some form of asthma. Although it is not confirmed, it is widely believed that Vivaldi’s father may have also been a composer as well.Īntonio’s health was problematic his entire life. Once Antonio was a skilled musician, his father traveled Venice with him and the two would perform together. Vivaldi had five siblings, and was taught the violin at an early age by his father who was a professional violinist himself. He is most widely known for his instrumentals concertos (mostly for violin), as well as sacred works and operas.Ī majority of his compositions were written for the female music ensemble at the Ospedale della Pieta, a home for abandoned children where Vivaldi was employed between 40. Born in Venice, Italy, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest Baroque composers. An Italian Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi also spent portions of his life as a virtuoso violinist, teacher, and cleric.

Antonio vivaldi compositions