A big earthquake struck Venice on the day of his birth, March 4, 1678.¹⁾

Antonio learned to play the violin from his father, a professional violinist who also happened to be a barber. Playing violin together, father and son explored Venice. ²⁾

He began his studies to become a priest at the age of 15, earning the moniker Il prêt Rosso, or The Red Priest. It's thought that his red hair, which was a family feature, was to blame. ³⁾