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The legacy of ANTONIO LUCIO VIVALDI (1678-1741) has grown considerably since his death in the 18th century. Vivaldi is one of the most well-known classical composers of the Baroque music era, which took place approximately between 1600 - 1750. Vivaldi is nicknamed "The Red Priest," due to his red hair and the fact that he was ordained as a priest in 1703. He is best known for his series of four violin concertos, The Four Seasons (Le Quatro Stagioni).

Compared to Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) and Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791), very little is written on the life of Antonio Vivaldi. His life was not well documented, which led to many unproven rumors circulating about his life. He is suspected of having romantic relationships with the sister of one of his students, but nothing has ever been proven or confirmed.

Vivaldi was born on March 4, 1678 in Venice. In 1704, a year after he was ordained as a priest, Vivaldi was employed as a master of violin at the Ospedale della Pieta, an orphanage and music school in Venice. The Ospedale received many of its children from the illegitimate offspring of the country's noblemen's various affairs, and thus received generous funding from anonymous donors. Vivaldi worked at the Ospedale on and off until 1740, and composed much of his work for his students there.

Like Beethoven, Vivaldi suffered physical problems and financial difficulties his whole life. He complained of having tightness in his chest, which may have been asthma.

Vivaldi's repertoire of work includes over 500 concertos, 46 operas, and 73 sonatas. He wrote hundreds of concerti for the cello, mandolin, flute, brass and woodwind. Chances are, you've heard his music in commercials or at restaurants.

Vivaldi's works have been featured on the television shows "The Sopranos" (including the series finale) and "Six Feet Under." His concertos, The Four Seasons, are often featured during weather forecasts and reports on The Weather Channel. His music is also featured in countless films, including Running with Scissors (2006), Superman Returns (2006), The Shaggy Dog (2006), White Chicks (2004), The Banger Sisters (2002), Spy Game (2001), What Lies Beneath (2000), and Flubber (1997).

In 1741, at the age of 63, Vivaldi passed away of an internal infection. He was buried at the Hospital Burial Ground in Vienna. It was not until after his death that he became so well known and respected.

In 2007, author Andre Romijn published a historical novel titled Hidden Harmonies: The Secret Life of Antonio Vivaldi. Director Boris Damast is reportedly working on a film, due to be released in 2008, about Vivaldi's life at the Ospedale della Pieta. Joseph Fiennes will play Antonio Vivaldi.

Learn more about this author, Caroline Atkins.
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